Political Practice Flashcards
What is the core argument of Althusser’s analysis of political practice?
Political practice is inherently tied to abstract relations rooted in class struggle, with proletarian practice aiming to abolish politics itself by achieving communism.
How does Marxist theory view class struggle differently from bourgeois theories?
Marxist theory roots class struggle in the material relations of production, whereas bourgeois theories see it as external or incidental.
What is the “base” in Marxist theory?
The material conditions of production, including relations of production and class exploitation, which vary by the mode of production.
How does Althusser describe the emergence of capitalism?
As a historical “encounter” of pre-existing conditions involving violent dispossession and the creation of a dispossessed working class.
What characterizes bourgeois political practice?
Acting “through intermediaries,” using state power and ideology to dominate and manipulate the exploited masses.
How is proletarian political practice distinct from bourgeois practice?
It is direct, self-organized, and guided by Marxist theory, emphasizing revolutionary action and democratic participation.
What role does Marxist theory play in proletarian political practice?
It provides a scientific understanding of class struggle and strategies to overthrow the bourgeois order.
What is the ultimate goal of communist political practice?
To abolish politics, the state, and class struggle by achieving a classless, communist society.
How does Althusser define the unity of theory and practice?
Practice informs theory through concrete experiences, and theory guides practice through scientific abstractions.
What is the materialist thesis of the primacy of practice?
The idea that theoretical development stems from and is guided by the concrete experiences of political struggle.
How do political practices relate to abstraction, according to Althusser?
They involve producing practical and theoretical abstractions that shape the field of action and link abstract thought with concrete action.
What are political ideological state apparatuses?
Institutions like education, media, and religion that disseminate the dominant ideology to maintain class dominance.
What is the dictatorship of the proletariat?
A transitional phase where the working class holds political power to dismantle the capitalist state and establish socialism.
How does Althusser critique the bourgeois electoral system?
It creates an illusion of democracy while ensuring the bourgeoisie’s dominance through ideological manipulation.
Why does the proletariat have a unique perspective on class struggle?
Informed by Marxist theory, the proletariat recognizes the exploitative and unsustainable nature of capitalism.
