Superseding Lukács: A Contribution to the Theory of Subjectivity

Abstract

Lukács’ long, difficult and incredibly rich essay, ‘Reification and the Consciousness of the Proletariat’, is one of the most influential essays of the twentieth century.¹ Some of the more important influences stemming from this essay are: the recognition of a close connection between Hegel and Marx, the importance of dialectical thought in challenging dualistic, formalistic and isolating modes of thought, the importance of social location for develo** certain forms of consciousness or knowledge, the importance of attempting to develop mediations between theory and practice aimed at overthrowing capitalism, and an extended discussion of some of the reifying forces of capitalism including their impact on capitalist ideology. It is Lukács’ particular emphasis on the concept of reification that is perhaps most original to him (even considering the influence of Max Weber and Georg Simmel), and, in my view, is his greatest theoretical achievement. I say this for two reasons. First, a careful study of capital’s inner logic as presented by Marx in Capital and, as developed further by Japanese political economists Kozo Uno and Thomas Sekine, demonstrates that reification is an absolutely central characteristic of capital.² Second, a theory of capital’s peculiar reifying force can contribute a great deal to thinking about the impact of capital on the formation of subjects both collective and singular, and about the possibilities of action in concert to bring about democratic socialism.