Episode 120: Marx’s Conceptions of Freedom and Domination—Interview with Paul Raekstad

Gabriel and Andrew welcome Paul Raekstad, author of Karl Marx’s Realist Critique of Capitalism: Freedom, Alienation, and Socialism. An associate professor of political theory at the University of Amsterdam, Raekstad is also one of the creators of the Red Plateaus YouTube channel. The interview leads off with a discussion of what’s wrong with Louis Althusser’s claim that there’s a profound “epistemological break” between the “early”and the “mature” Marx. Paul then discusses Marx’s conception of freedom—emphasizing that it involves self-direction and self-development—and his conception of domination—emphasizing that it includes both personal and impersonal domination. He contrasts these to other well-known conceptions of freedom and domination.
(The co-hosts will discuss other aspects of the book, dealing with Marx’s conception of socialist society, including the relation between its lower and higher phases, in an upcoming episode.)

Plus current-events segment on the UK and French elections, and how they relate to the political situation in the US.

SUMMER 2024 SCHEDULE: This is the final ep. of the summer. Our regular schedule will resume with Ep. 121, slated for release on Sept. 6.

Radio Free Humanity is a podcast covering news, politics and philosophy from a Marxist-Humanist perspective.
It is co-hosted by Gabriel Donnelly and Andrew Kliman. We intend to release new episodes every two weeks.
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