Thompson vs Althusser: A Legacy of Revolutionary Ideas

Varn Vlog

E.P. Thompson versus Louis Althusser—what if their debate reshaped our understanding of Marxist theory forever? Join Nicolas D. Villareal as we unpack Thompson's contentious critiques of Althusser, revealing the misunderstandings and secondary sources that fueled their intellectual clash. We'll dissect Althusser's argument against historicism, his endeavor to preserve Marxism's scientific core, and how his ideas have often been misinterpreted or simplified, especially by followers like Foucault.
As structuralism evolved, so did the criticisms and new trajectories within Marxist thought. We dive into Derrida's deconstructionism and Eco's Theory of Semiotics, unraveling their impacts on Marxist discourse. Hear our analysis on Althusser's later works, where Gramscian influences and Lenin's revolutionary defeatism highlight the complexities of change within structures. We'll explore how these debates have influenced contemporary Marxism, with nods to thinkers like Richard Wolff and the ever-evolving landscape from the 1960s to today.
Finally, we tackle the nuanced legacy of Althusser's critiques and his contentious relationship with Maoism and Stalinism. The conversation spans Althusser's stance on traditional dialectics, psychoanalysis, and the unpredictable nature of social evolution, as well as his efforts to establish a left-wing critique of Stalinism. Reflecting on the broader philosophical and political implications, we examine how these debates continue to shape revolutionary theory and historical materialism, offering a balanced perspective on Althusser’s enduring impact.

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Crew:
Host: C. Derick Varn
Intro and Outro Music by Bitter Lake.
Intro Video Design: Jason Myles
Art Design: Corn and C. Derick Varn
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twitter: @varnvlog
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You can find the additional streams on Youtube

Chapter

1. Debating EP Thompson vs Althusser (00:00:00)

2. Critiques of Althusser and Western Marxism (00:12:36)

3. New Approaches to Marxist Theory (00:30:29)

4. Dialectics and Post-Structuralism Responses (00:44:29)

5. Marxist Theory (00:49:56)

6. Critiquing Marxism (00:58:34)

7. Reevaluating Althusser and Marxist Critiques (01:04:46)

8. Debates on Marxist Theory Mediation (01:17:22)

9. Marxist Critique and Historical Analysis (01:24:16)

10. Theorizing Althusser and Marxist Concepts (01:35:13)

11. Exploring Lacanian Influence in Marxism (01:47:17)

12. Materialism, Lacanian Influence, and State Formation (01:55:42)

13. Global State Evolution and Decline (02:03:38)

14. Critiquing Graeber and Structuralism (02:18:56)

15. Reevaluating Bordiga and Left Communism (02:24:59)

16. Critiquing Marxist Scholars and Orthodoxy (02:37:58)

17. Debating Althusser's Marxist System (02:42:29)