Marx Through Post-Structuralism: Lyotard, Derrida, Foucault, Deleuze

by Simon Choat

Marx Through Post-Structuralism presents a thorough critical examination of the readings of Marx given by four post-structuralist thinkers, all key figures in Continental Jean-François Lyotard, Jacques Derrida, Michel Foucault, and Gilles Deleuze. Arguing that both Marx and the post-structuralists seek to produce a genuinely materialist philosophy, the author aims to develop a better understanding of both Marx and post-structuralism and in so doing to reflect on the possibilities and problems for materialist philosophy more broadly.

Against the common assumption that post-structuralism begins with a rejection of Marx, Choat argues that Marx has been a key influence on post-structuralist thought and that each of the four thinkers examined affirms Marx's contemporary significance. By looking at how these thinkers have read Marx - analysing their direct comments, unspoken uses, and implicit criticisms - the book demonstrates that there is a distinct and original post-structuralist approach to Marx that allows us to read him in a new light.

Genres: Philosophy, Politics, Theory

224 pages, Hardcover

First published June 17, 2010

Reviews

[Vapula]

Very good book for getting into the theory of the post-structuralists through Marx, who stands alongside Nietzsche as one of their biggest influences. Many important questions are posed by the post-structuralists regarding Marx's theory and this book is quite useful in going against many of the misconceptions regarding the post-structuralists.

[Adeel]

ANTI HUMANIST MARX, ANTI HUMANIST MARX

[Hossein]

An amazing book for a better understanding of post-structuralism. It is also helpful if you want to understand marxism and different branches of leftist thought, so you won't assume left necessarily as communism and the advocate of Russia or China

[Grace]

I was reading this as a sort of introduction to post-structuralism given that I have more knowledge of Marx than post-structuralism. I think it's very good for that purpose, and I feel like I understand Lyotard, Derrida, Foucault, and Deleuze's work a lot more now. The conclusion is really good too.

[Tathagat Singh]

Excellent book. Extremely highly recommended for anyone remotely interested in Marx or the post-structuralists. Very easy to understand without any dilution of theoretical concepts.