Monday, November 4, 2013

Feenberg on Marx and Weber

Draft/Outline:


*1 1/2 page double spaced.
**Remember to find images and links so support the goal of interactive content


  1. Outline my understanding of the literature/topic
    1. Specific to the question
    2. On the whole/across Feenberg writing
  2. Marx
    1. on capitalism
    2. Feenberg's shortcomings
  3. Weber
    1. on capitalism
    2. Feenberg's shortcomings
  4. My initial impressions
    1. agree
    2. disagree
    3. my own examples that help or hinder my understanding


  1. Feenberg talks about two critiques of modernity: conservative and progressive. What do these critiques address in our contemporary society? While elaborating your answer, please refer the readings.

  2. Feenberg argues that modern Critical Theory grows out of the work of two thinkers: Marx and Weber; he also states the shortcomings of the theories that were constructed by these two philosophers. Discuss how these two philosophers critiqued the capitalist rationality. and the shortcomings of their theories according to Feen.

  3. Feenberg quotes from Marcuse on page 168-169 and then asks "what [does it mean] that formal systems, such as law or technology, are generally available for applications biased to favor domination. Is there something about their very neutrality which opens them to such applications? What happened "originally": in the initial construction of the formal mode of abstraction that rendered it pliable in this particular way?" What is your answer to these questions? Think about our discussion on Marxism while answering to this question. Do you think formal systems of our society can be considered neutral? Why or why not?

  4. Why does Feenberg argue that "formal systems are intrinsically available as a power base" (p. 170)? What do you think Feenberg means by "power base"? And, why is he not in favor of formal abstraction? What does formal abstraction exclude? What is the major shortcoming of this methodological approach according to Feenberg?

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