Is Postmodernism Anti-Marxist: A Critical Exploration

Postmodernism and Marxism, two intellectual movements that have shaped the contemporary understanding of human society, often find themselves entangled in a complex relationship. The discourse over whether postmodernism is inherently anti-Marxist is multifaceted and has been a subject of extensive debate in scholarly circles. In this examination, we will delve into the nuances of postmodernism and Marxism, exploring how they intersect and diverge.

Defining Postmodernism

Postmodernism, as articulated by the French philosopher Jean-Fran?ois Lyotard, is characterized by a rejection of 'grand narratives', or metanarratives, which are coherent and systematic stories about the world and its overall meaning. These metanarratives, according to Lyotard, are often imposed with an air of absolute certainty, and postmodernism seeks to challenge and subvert such narratives.

Marxist Metanarratives

At the core of Marxist thought lie two fundamental metanarratives: dialectical materialism and historical materialism. Dialectical materialism posits that reality is in a constant state of change and that this change is driven by the contradictions within the material conditions of society. Historical materialism, on the other hand, proposes that the history of human socio-political organization is driven by economic and material conditions.

Postmodernists often critique these metanarratives as cherry-picked andcriptions that, in their view, do not fully capture the complexity and diversity of human experience. For instance, the idea of a 'species being' and the notion of a fully realized human nature as proposed by Marx are seen as overly simplistic and universalizing.

The Dialectic and Critical Realism

Roy Bhaskar's Bhaskaran critical realism offers a nuanced framework for understanding the dialectic. Bhaskar reinterprets the traditional dialectical process as 'absenting the absence' and 'transforming'. This perspective emphasizes the importance of abolishing oppressive structures like racism and anti-racism, which is a form of 'absenting the absence'. Through a Lockean underlaboring of the dialectic, Bhaskar clarifies and makes it more useful in practical contexts.

Modernism and Postmodernism: A Contrast

The origin of postmodernism can be traced back to a critique of modernist outcomes. Many argue that postmodernism is a modern phenomenon, while others contend that it is much older and rooted in historical antipathy towards Marxist excesses. However, it is generally accepted that postmodernism emerged as a reaction against the perceived rigidity and objectivity of modernist thought.

Marrist Philosophy and the Human Nature Argument

Marxism, in its original formulation by Karl Marx, posits a fundamental human nature or 'species being'. Marx believed that society should be organized around allowing humans to express their creativity and productivity without any hindrances. While Marxism asserts that the best society is one where humans can freely express themselves, it is worth noting that Marx himself did not consider capitalism to be unjust, but rather incomplete. He believed that capitalism did not fully permit human creativity and productivity.

The modernist perspective that Marx upheld can be seen as a single, comprehensive viewpoint of the world. Marx trusted in the rationality of capitalism and envisioned a society where this rationality would lead to truth. Postmodernism, in contrast, rejects the idea of a single perspective that could uncover the absolute truth. Proponents of postmodernism argue that truth is subjective and contingent on one's viewpoint, and thus, no metanarrative can claim to have an absolute grasp on reality.

Postmodernism and Marxism: Compatible or Incompatible?

Postmodernism and Marxism can coexist, but not necessarily in a way that is congruent. A postmodernist would reject the claim that Marx was entirely right, but they might still find his ideas relevant without subscribing to them entirely. Thinkers such as Jacques Derrida, Felix Guattari, and Gilles Deleuze have attempted to reinterpret Marxist theory in postmodernist terms, highlighting the utility of Marxist ideas without endorsing its totality.

In conclusion, postmodernism is not inherently anti-Marxist, but it certainly challenges the foundational metanarratives and perspectives that underpin Marxist thought. The tension between these two intellectual traditions reflects a broader debate about the nature of truth, reality, and the role of grand narratives in understanding human societies.