Gramsci's Pgs. 321-343

Question 1

What is Gramsci’s view on the nature of philosophy?

Answer 1

Gramsci argues that philosophy is not the exclusive domain of specialists. Everyone engages in “spontaneous philosophy” through language, common sense, popular religion, and folklore.

Question 2

What does Gramsci say about the prejudice surrounding philosophy?

Answer 2

He states that it is essential to destroy the prejudice that philosophy is strange or difficult because it is the intellectual activity of specialists.

Question 3

How does Gramsci relate philosophy to common sense and religion?

Answer 3

He argues that although common sense and religion influence worldviews, philosophy serves as a critical tool for organizing and transcending them, providing intellectual coherence.

Question 4

What is the role of intellectuals according to Gramsci?

Answer 4

Intellectuals shape and share worldviews, but they must connect with the masses by tackling practical issues and everyday concerns.

Masses- large group of people

Question 5

What does Gramsci say about creating a new culture?

Answer 5

Creating a new culture requires not only original discoveries but also the critical sharing and socializing of existing truths, which become the foundation for intellectual and moral order.

Question 6

How does Gramsci define “hegemony”?

Answer 6

Hegemony refers to the competition for power in ethical and political spheres, leading to increased awareness and the blending of theory with practice.

Question 7

What is Gramsci’s view on the unity of theory and practice?

Answer 7

He argues that theory and practice are historically connected, with political parties playing a key role in unifying them by developing new worldviews through action.

Question 8

What does Gramsci critique about mechanistic determinism?

Answer 8

While it can offer moral resistance, Gramsci warns that mechanistic determinism may result in passivity and a false sense of inevitability, urging for an active approach to understanding history.

passivity- acceptance of what happens, without active resistance

Question 9

How does Gramsci suggest subaltern groups move beyond mechanistic determinism?

Answer 9

He emphasizes that when subaltern groups take responsibility for economic activity, they must revise their thinking and adopt more active, dynamic modes of thought.

Question 10

What does Gramsci argue about everyone’s engagement with philosophy?

Answer 10

Gramsci contends that everyone engages in “spontaneous philosophy,” even unconsciously, through language, common sense, popular religion, and folklore.

Question 11

What are the three key manifestations of “spontaneous philosophy” according to Gramsci?

Answer 11

1) Language
2) Common sense and good sense
3) Popular religion and folklore

Question 12

Why does Gramsci emphasize the need for “consciously critical” philosophy?

Answer 12

He believes individuals should actively shape their understanding of the world, recognizing their inherited worldviews as products of history and engaging with diverse ideas.

Question 13

How does Gramsci view the role of history and culture in understanding philosophical ideas?

Answer 13

He asserts that historical context is essential, with language acting as a means to share cultural and philosophical ideas, though dialects can restrict wider viewpoints.

Question 14

What does creating a “new culture” involve according to Gramsci?

Answer 14

It involves the dissemination of existing truths and engaging the masses in “socialization” of knowledge to drive social and political change.

Question 15

How does Gramsci differentiate between common sense, religion, and philosophy?

Answer 15

He sees philosophy as providing intellectual order, while religion is a fragmented part of common sense lacking coherence. Philosophy aims to supersede both, aligning with “good sense.”

Question 16

What is “praxis” in Gramsci’s thought?

Answer 16

Praxis refers to the interconnectedness of thought and action, where one’s true philosophy is revealed through their actions, especially political actions.

Question 17

What is the role of intellectuals in shaping and disseminating new conceptions of the world?

Answer 17

Intellectuals must connect with the masses by clearly expressing their experiences and needs to build an intellectual-moral alliance for societal progress.

Question 18

What are “organic intellectuals,” and how do they relate to political parties?

Answer 18

Organic intellectuals emerge from within social groups and represent their interests. Gramsci sees political parties as crucibles for these intellectuals to unify theory and practice.

Question 19

Why does Gramsci critique deterministic and fatalistic tendencies in Marxist thought?

Answer 19

He believes they hinder active participation in social change, acknowledging their historical role in moral resistance but advocating for an active understanding of history.

Question 20

Explain the complicated process of spreading new ideas among the masses.

Answer 20

The spread of new ideas depends on trust in social groups. Although rationality and authority matter, consistent engagement and repetition are key to strengthening beliefs.

Question 21

What is Gramsci’s view on the limits of discussion and freedom of inquiry?

Answer 21

He struggles to balance intellectual freedom with ideological unity, proposing ways to direct intellectual activity while appreciating individual contributions and differing opinions.

Question 22

What does Gramsci advocate for analyzing cultural organizations?

Answer 22

He emphasizes the need to analyze the structure and function of schools, churches, media, and educational institutions to understand their roles in shaping ideas within society.