Who is Althusser, Louis in Philosophy?
Althusser, Louis (1918-1990), was a French Marxist philosopher known for his contributions to Marxist theory and his critique of ideology. Born in Algeria, Althusser studied philosophy at the École Normale Superiore in Paris, where he became one of the main exponents of Marxist structuralism. His work significantly influenced the political and philosophical thought of the XNUMXth century, and his legacy continues to be debated and studied to this day.
Formation and Influences
Althusser was influenced by a number of thinkers, including Karl Marx, Friedrich Engels, Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel, and Sigmund Freud. His academic training was marked by an interdisciplinary approach, combining philosophy, psychoanalysis and social sciences. This diversity of influences is reflected in his work, which ranges from theoretical analyzes of ideology to studies on the structure and functioning of the State.
Contributions to Marxist Theory
One of Althusser's main contributions to Marxist theory was his critique of the traditional conception of Marxism as a deterministic and teleological science. Instead, he proposed a structuralist approach, which emphasized the importance of social and ideological structures in the reproduction of power relations. According to Althusser, the State and ideology play a fundamental role in maintaining the capitalist system, and the class struggle is not only an economic struggle, but also an ideological one.
Criticism of Ideology
Althusser developed a theory of ideology that opposed the traditional view that ideology is just false consciousness. For him, ideology is not simply an illusion, but a form of representation that shapes our perception of reality and determines our actions. According to Althusser, ideology is a system of practices and discourses that challenges us as subjects and inserts us into certain social positions. This critique of ideology has had a significant impact on the field of cultural studies and the understanding of power relations in contemporary society.
The Theory of the Ideological State Apparatus
One of Althusser's main contributions to Marxist theory was his formulation of the theory of the ideological state apparatus. According to him, the State is not only a repressive institution, but also a set of ideological apparatuses that reproduce existing power relations. These devices include family, school, media, and religion, among others. Each ideological apparatus has its own logic and function, but they all work together to perpetuate the domination of the ruling class.
Criticism of the Theory of the Subject
Althusser also developed a critique of the theory of the subject, which emphasizes autonomy and individual consciousness. For him, the subject is not an autonomous agent, but a structural position within power relations. According to Althusser, we are interpellated as subjects by the ideological apparatuses of the State, and our identity and behavior are shaped by these interpellations. This critique has had a significant impact on the field of cultural studies and the understanding of the relationship between the individual and society.
The Controversy and Legacy
Althusser's work was marked by controversy and heated debate. In 1980, he was accused of murdering his wife, Hélène Rytmann, during a psychotic break. Although he was found irresponsible for his actions, Althusser was not criminally tried due to his mental health condition. This controversy tarnished his reputation and led to a decline in his intellectual influence.
However, Althusser's legacy continues to be debated and studied to this day. His work influenced a generation of Marxist and post-Marxist intellectuals, and his contributions to Marxist theory and critique of ideology are still relevant to understanding power relations in contemporary society. Despite personal controversies, Althusser left a lasting legacy in philosophy and political thought.
