Monday, November 16, 2015

Socialism, Ground, Base

Marx's Base-Superstructure image signifies a construction, the logic of which presupposes a pre-construction ground, with respect to which the edifice is stable.  Now, one of the charges against Socialism is that even if achievable, it is unstable, because it suppresses 'natural' differences in ability.  But, that charge is inapplicable to the principle "From each according to one's abilities . . . "  Still, the construction of Socialism on a sound basis, which can be subsequently diversified in accordance with that principle, requires a concept of We that is in some respect contiguous with its antecedents.  Three scenarios in which that concept can be established are: 1. As an actualization of some potential in the species; 2. As an unprecedented product of a dialectical process; and 3. As an unprecedented product of an evolutionary process, e. g. the Will to Power.  Marxism entails #2, though without addressing the non-identity in the image of the natural ground and the Base of the edifice, i. e. the non-identity of an aggregate of individuals and a We.

No comments:

Post a Comment