On the Supposed Break in Marx

Abstract

An interpretative point popularized by Louis Althusser is that Marx's early philosophical and political writings should not be viewed as connected or contributing to his later historical materialism. However, Althusser's standpoint of a “break” in Marx cannot be correct. An analysis of Marx's early works reveals continuity with and development to commitments and problems that are familiar in Marx's later writings. Certain political, democratic commitments are inherent to the development of Marx's project, and a normative standpoint is not thereby transcended. Marx's use of a political democratic idea, consideration of our species-being potential, as well as his critique of social relations in regard to alienation, lead to an articulation of and commitment to communism.