In this clear and engaging exposition, Richard Schmitt provides the best introduction to the philosophical Marx and Engels now available. For professionals he sketches an original and much-needed synthesis of two competing ways of interpreting the fragmented and often apparently contradictory aspects of Marxian thought. By taking seriously the role of dialectic in Marx’s thought and by exploring more fully what Marx meant by “human nature,” Schmitt does justice to the humanist view of Marx that “human beings make their own history” as well as to the opposing view that human history is inexorably shaped by socioeconomic forces.
The creative tension of the dialectic between human freedom and historical materialism is fruitful, throwing light upon Marx’s understanding of social class, determinism, and the “contradictions” of capitalism. Throughout his insightful discussion of these notoriously difficult theories, Schmitt remains at a level entirely appropriate for the beginning student of Marx and Engels.
Editorial Reviews
“An informed, intelligent and wide-ranging presentation of the thought of Marx and Engels in simple language….Students (should) gain an understanding of Marxism that is sympathetic but not uncritical.” —Allen Wood, Cornell University
“One of the best introductions to the thought of Marx and Engels that I have ever read, destined to become a standard in the field. Schmitt manages the seemingly impossible: He surveys virtually all of the central themes, skillfully describes the nature of the debates that surround each of these themes, and offers his own….convincing critiques and evaluations. Elegant and clear, Schmitt’s book will be both accessible to the introductory student and a pleasure to the scholar.” —Edward S. Greenberg, University of Colorado, Boulder
About the Author
Richard Schmitt teaches philosophy at Brown University. He has written extensively for journals and has published two books: Martin Heidegger on Being Human (1969) and Alienation and Class (1983).
