Date: Tue, 23 Jul 1996 10:05:17 -0700 (PDT)
From: LH Engelskirchen <lhengels-AT-igc.apc.org>
Subject: RM Conference


 
 
 
As I mentioned I had contacted Rethinking Marxism suggesting the
inclusion of Bhaskar and Critical Realism, and as I also mentioned,
Bhaskar has now been invited, though I don't know anything of the
details of the invitation.  Also I was invited to try to put
together some panels.  After contacting this group I asked RM how
to proceed and the suggestion was that we should take the
initiative to structure things as we liked within the general
framework of the conference plan, soliciting papers, etc.  So
assuming sufficient interest, the future is open.  Plan and
structure are open.  As a group we should develop a proposal to
submit by Sept. 30.
 
Some of this will undoubtedly depend on whether Bhaskar will
attend.  Perhaps we could ourselves fashion a request to him that
he accept.  For me there is, e.g., the importance of presenting
realism as a language and rudder of marxism among the temptestous
sea of postmodernisms (who would deny that a little drama is called
for?), and also for many of us the importance of a presentation in
the US, etc.  
 
I would hope that the international character of this group could
be somehow reflected so as to include the participation of those
who will not be able to attend.
 
One obvious focus for a panel would be the significance of realism
for marxism.  I have in mind here drawing out the significance of
Marx's own depth realism, Marx's attention to real definition,
emergence, etc.
 
A couple of weeks ago I spoke briefly with Charles Smith, Dean of
Sociology at CUNY, who has edited, with Harre and Secord, Journal
for the Theory of Social Behavior -- this is one of the few places
realist articles have been consistently presented -- and, although
we spoke only for a second, he expressed interest in helping us
connect with others who might be interested.
 
We have voted with both Hans for participation in the conference. 
What do others think?
 
 
Howard Engelskirchen
lhengels-AT-igc.apc.org
Western State University College of Law
Fullerton, CA 92631
(408)426-9613 (till Aug. 12)