Date: Wed, 3 Apr 1996 16:30:42 -0500 (EST)
Subject: Re: Rahul's thread 


J Laari wrote:

> I'm sorry that I
> interfered your discussion. That was my mistake.

What?  You made a mistake??? 

Marxists aren't allowed to make mistakes!!!

But, seriously though, I think it's a good sign if we can occasionally 
admit mistakes. It helps the discussion and it's a good sign for the 
future of this l'st, IMHO.

> It's just frustrating to notice how same trashing has been going on 
again and again for nearly two years.

"Cross-paradigm" discussions can be very frustrating, it is true. 
Particularly, when there are ideological and/or political components to 
positions.

> And me, I've
> noticed I do get angry when whether philosophers or
> scientists or political activists begin to trash, say,
> social theoretical discussions without grasping background
> and essential traits in that theorization.

Before one can "trash" a theory effectively, doesn't one first have to 
*understand* it? There is a great value *for* Marxists when they attempt 
to come to terms with theories both within and outside of the "Marxist" 
tradition. IMO, that is part of the process of *becoming* Marxist. Being 
a Marxist from my perspective doesn't mean that you've read Marx, 
Engels, Lenin, Trotsky, C.L.R. James, etc.. It is a world outlook that can 
*not* be understood in terms of catchy slogans or quotes. It is a 
perspective which is learned and-relearned. 

Dogmatism is a tradition that runs deep in many tendencies and 
individuals calling themselves Marxist. This was true even in Marx's own 
time and gave rise to his celebrated quote: "I am not a Marxist." How 
does one confront dogmatism except by challenging one's own pre-conceptions 
and testing them against logic, history, and alternative perspectives?

I believe that many Marxists travel down the road from dogmatism to a 
more mature (and, dare I say, dialectical?) understanding. I like to 
think that I've been on that journey for many years.

Please understand that the above comments are directed against neither 
Jukka, Rahul, or anyone else on this l'st.

Jerry


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