Gattungswesen, Stoffwechsel und Naturschranken
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: This paper explores two key concepts in Marx and argues for their interconnection: species-being and natural limits. In section 1 I provide an account of the idea of species-being drawing on both Hegel and Marx. I show that species-being is connected with self-consciousness of the form of living activity and its natural limits, enabling and constraining certain theoretical and practical powers. In section 2 I develop a philosophical account of natural limits in contrast to the empirical account taken up in eco-Marxist debates. I argue that this philosophical account provides a new way of understanding Marx’s claim that the movement of capital is limitless or maßlos, drawing on Aristotle to develop an idea of limits connected with purposes or ends. In section 3 I turn to Hegel’s account of limits to provide a more dynamic and dialectical account of natural limits, in accordance with our powers of self-consciousness and self-transcendence.
Author: Karen Ng
Institution: Vanderbilt University
Language: English
Topic: Marxism and Critical Theory
Subfield: Philosophy
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $2,489
OpenAlex ID: W4410788323