Abstract
The purpose of this study is to analyse a neoliberal philosopher’s rejection of Karl Marx and his critique of capitalism. I focus specifically on the work of Karl Popper, a founding member of the Mont Pelerin Society, which lay the ideological foundations for neoliberalism (Jones, 2012). I limit my attention to Popper’s dismissal of Marx in the process of exploring key concepts he contributed towards neoliberalism during its early stages. These concepts include (1) the unified scientific method, which seeks to collapse the distinctions between the natural and social sciences; (2) the argument that Marx’s use of the dialectic is consistent with Hegel’s and that he viewed social change as a linear step-by-step process that culminates with social revolution; and (3) the misconception that Marx believed that the transition to communism required a totalitarian system of government. In the process of analysing Popper’s critique, I present a close reading of Marx and his work to determine whether the Austrian philosopher studied his object of analysis closely and carefully enough to warrant the call to discard his contributions to philosophy and the political economy. My principle findings are that Popper often misrepresents Marx’s argument and frequently misreads his work. To be specific, I illustrate that Marx’s never attempted to develop a unified scientific method, but that he combines different conceptual domains to present a unique critique of capitalism. In addition, I elucidate not only what the implication of Marx’s departure from Hegel entails, but also how it manifests in his analysis of the concept of value. Finally, I explore Marx’s dynamic theory of social change, before setting out his views on totalitarianism, the Paris Commune, and participatory democracy. This serves not only to clarify some of the errors Popper makes, but also to present Marx and his work on his own terms.
M.A. (Philosophy)