While Karl Marx is widely heralded for developing a comprehensive critique of capitalism, less discussed is his view of what constitutes a socialist alternative to it. Even less explored is whether he had a concept of organization that offers an alternative to both reformist and statist-authoritarian variants of socialism. These series of discussions will explore what Marx had to say about the role revolutionary organizations can play in the fight against capitalism in the light of the challenges as well opportunities facing us today.

 

All readings are available for free as hyperlinks or pdf files from the IMHO

 

Session 1: Sunday, October 18, 6:00 pm [Chicago time]

The Birth of Marx’s Concept of Organization

Readings: 1) Marx, chapter 2 of Manifesto of the Communist Party (1847), “Address to the Communist League” and “Minutes of the Central Committee of the Communist League” (1850); 2) Peter Hudis, “Political Organization,” in The Marx Revival.

 

Session 2: Sunday, November 1, 6:00 pm [Chicago time] 

The First International and Marx’s Writings on the Paris Commune

Readings: Marx, “Letter to Freiligrath” (1860), Inaugural Address to the First International (1864) and Part 3 of The Civil War in France (1871).

 

Session 3: Sunday, November 15, 6:00 pm [Chicago time]

The Critique of the Gotha Program

Readings: 1) Marx, Critique of the Gotha Program (1875); 2) Raya Dunayevskaya, “The Philosopher of Permanent Revolution Creates Ground for Organization,” in Rosa Luxemburg, Women’s Liberation, and Marx’s Philosophy of Revolution.

 

Session 4: Sunday, November 29, 6:00 pm [Chicago time]

The Late Marx and the Problem of Organization

Readings: Marx, “Communication on Ireland”(1870), “Notes on Bakunin’s State and Anarchy” (1875), “Letter to Schweitzer” (1877), Program of the French Workers Party and “A Workers’ Inquiry” (1880).

 

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85083500846?pwd=TTuJoWGZiUEu4JFO1WNuF1sayXZlLS.1

Meeting ID: 850 8350 0846 — Passcode: 154284

 

Sponsored by the Chicago chapter of the International Marxist-Humanist Organization