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2 Fate and Will in the Marxian Vision
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Published:April 2007
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Abstract
Both exponents and critics of Marxism claim that it is a “monistic” philosophy, but in reality it is dualistic. This is due to the contradiction between theory and practice, between scientific (or pseudo-scientific) analysis and revolutionary action. The obvious inconsistency between a determinist philosophy of history and the spirited conduct of political action may be explained in terms of the “predestination paradox,” which has also been used to describe Christian theology. According to the Marxian approach, individuals who are sympathetic to revolution view Marxian determinism as an appealing rationalization for their own impulses, which continue to compel them to action. People are Marxists because they are revolutionary, not the other way around. This chapter explores Marxist dualism in the objective interpretation of the historical process by focusing on Russia. In particular, it considers whether human events are a matter of collective fate or individual will. It also examines whether history makes the person or whether personalities make history and concludes by discussing Friedrich Engels's notion of the revolution as a “leap to freedom”.
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