CRITICAL THEORY AND POSTMARXISM. POLITICS, CONTINGENCY AND HISTORY.

Abstract

In this paper I intend to present a counterpoint between Post-marxism and social critical theory. By studying the thought of Rancière, I will point out that Post-marxist criticisms towards some aspects of the Marxist concept of totality are valid. Certain interpretation of the concept of totality (as an emancipatory ideal that could be achieved by an identical subject-object of history) may indeed lead to the danger of totalitarianism, as Rancière and others have appointed. Yet, I will also try to show that the contributions of Adorno and Postone do not lead to a potentially totalitarian formulation of the emancipatory project. This may signal towards a formulation of critical theory that could be consistently sustained in the contemporary context of “crisis of Marxism”