Walter Benjamin and the Critique of Political Economy: A New Historical Materialism

Duy Lap Nguyen explores the connections between Walter Benjamin's philosophy of history and a Marxian Critique of Political Economy, highlighting Benjamin's focus on the religion of capitalism, mythology of the state, and messianic time. He also discusses the influence of Karl Korsch's theory of fascism on Benjamin's theory of revolution and redemption in capitalist society, and the recognition of the fallibility of the Enlightenment notion of progress. Nguyen's book provides a comprehensive exploration of Benjamin's critical historical materialism and its unique contribution to western Marxism.

Format: Hardback
Length: 312 pages
Publication date: 11 August 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Duy Lap Nguyen delves into the intricate connections between Walter Benjamin's philosophy of history and a Marxian critique of political economy. Through a comprehensive analysis of Benjamin's early writings and their evolution into a distinct understanding of historical materialism, Nguyen sheds light on the key characteristics of Benjamin's historical materialist perspective.

Benjamin's historically materialist conception of history is revealed to be marked by a profound focus on three central elements: the religion of capitalism, the mythology of the state, and messianic time. Nguyen meticulously uncovers these underlying factors, drawing connections between Benjamin's philosophical critique of the Kantian conception of history and the historical trajectory of capitalism that he embraced.

Influenced by the theory of fascism developed by German Marxist theorist Karl Korsch, Nguyen explores how Benjamin's own theory of revolution and redemption in capitalist society evolved into a sophisticated critique. Benjamin's materialist critique was characterized by a recognition of the limitations of the Enlightenment notion of progress and the urgent need to challenge the political and economic conditions that perpetuate capitalism and fascism.

Nguyen meticulously charts the course of Benjamin's critical historical materialism, providing a comprehensive exposition of his unique contribution to Western Marxism. Through his meticulous scholarship, Nguyen sheds light on the profound implications of Benjamin's thought for our understanding of history, politics, and the ongoing struggle against capitalist and fascist ideologies.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350180420