Rethinking Marxism: struggles in Marxist theory : essays for Harry Magdoff & Paul Sweezy

From the introduction "Marxist theory in general and Marxist economics in particular have experienced a resurgence in the United States over recent years. Within and beyond academic circles, Marxist analyses are developed, discussed and debated. The depth and breadth of interest in the Marxist tradition of social analysis may never have been greater in United States history. Nor has this resurgence been significantly slowed by the current low ebb of organised Marxist political party activity. Theoretical and practical processes develop forever unevenly: a point Marx liked to emphasize. So it may be a good time to step back from the prodigious productions of Marxist analyses to gain some self-consciousness about how we got here and where we seem headed. In dedicating this book to a major force that got us here—Paul Sweezy, Harry Magdoff and the entire Monthly Review project— we aim also to survey some major lines of inquiry now criss-crossing the Marxist tradition. In this we place special but not exclusive emphasis on economics. Every contributor to this volume has been influenced in complex ways by our honorees. We have all chosen to honor their powerful interventions in and support of Marxist analytical work by an original contribution to the continued growth and liveliness of the Marxist theoretical tradition. Many, although hardly all, basic themes of Marxist theory are newly affirmed, modified, contested or displaced in the essays here collected. Old debates are renewed because they remain unresolved agenda priorities for Marxism. New debates are defined and joined to clarify or improve Marxist positions. Certain essays extend the reach of Marxist analysis into areas thought to be inadequately comprehended by the Marxist tradition. " **Richard D. Wolff** is Professor of Economics Emeritus at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and Visiting Professor in the Graduate Program in International Affairs at the New School, New York. Wolff and Resnick are the authors of __Economics: Marxian versus Neoclassical__. **Stephen A. Resnick** was Professor of Economics Emeritus at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.