An Introduction to Karl Marx

by Jon Elster

A concise and comprehensive introduction to Marx's social, political and economic thought for the beginning student. Jon Elster surveys in turn each of the main themes of marxist thought: methodology, alienation, economics, exploitation, historical materialism, classes, politics, and ideology; in a final chapter he assesses 'what is living and what is dead in the philosophy of Marx'. The emphasis throughout is on the analytical structure of Marx's arguments and the approach is at once sympathetic, undogmatic, and rigorous.

Genres: Philosophy, Politics, Economics, Nonfiction

212 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1986

About the author

Jon Elster ، born 22 February 1940, Oslo) is a Norwegian social and political theorist who has authored works in the philosophy of social science and rational choice theory. He is also a notable proponent of analytical Marxism, and a critic of neoclassical economics and public choice theory, largely on behavioral and psychological grounds.

In 2016, he was awarded the 22nd Johan Skytte Prize in Political Science for his contributions to political science.

Reviews

[danny · Rating 3 out of 5]

definitely doesn’t work as an introduction lol u need quite a bit of prerequisite knowledge on marx to engage with it and when u do it’s more abt establishing some form of neo-marxism than actually presenting his ideas lol. bedsides that they’re pretty good ideas he presents

[Dawn Matarese · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'll admit I didn't finish reading this book. The organization was frustrating for me. The author was definitely more interested in critiquing Marx than giving 'an introduction' as I expected from the title. Yet I think he could have done both by introducing each main theme of Marx's theories in their respective chapters. Instead, I felt like I was supposed to figure out what each theme was from context clues. I guess there's another book that 'goes with' this one? It doesn't really work as an intro on it's own.

[Sol · Rating 3 out of 5]

A functional and useful guide to Marx; what is alive, and what is dead within his body of work.

[A K Choudhary · Rating 5 out of 5]

No better summary to Marx work than this.

[sidnawi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good summary of Marx's ideas, with solid depth and analysis of relevancy - but he really lingers on the point a bit & repeats himself often. Would dread reading the 800pg version.

[Mathilde J · Rating 2 out of 5]

too clinical .... cant read this for shit idk why i thought i could understand anything about it. my dumbass keeps it on her bedstand for nights i cant fall asleep

[Stefán Sigmundsson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book does not attempt to introduce Karl Marx as much as it attempts to refute most of his ideas.

[Freddie Bishop · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reads more like a petty dispute with Marx than an introduction to his theory. Also Chapter 8 on ‘Marx’s Political philosophy’ is riddled with errors.

[Eryc Tri Juni S · Rating 4 out of 5]

through communism, there is no doubt if Karl Marx is the one of the influential writer in the century. This book tell the communism concept but in general. Which the real problem is how to solve the struggle between the class. This book is pretty good for someone who want to learn about Marx theories. But for lately, i think communism is irrelevant anymore. Because for now dualism is dead. But after little bit studying Marx, i have some perspective, especially what was different between Islam and communism. Islam is a socialism plus God. What a terrifying conclusion. LOL

[Simona · Rating 3 out of 5]

research for my thesis. a good comprehensive set of essays. the style is a bit stilted and clunky at times

[Rodrigo Jungmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Livro extraordinário pela clareza e concisão.