Topic: In Defense of Historical Materialism (Part I)

Posted on by A Free Retriever

Discussion: A Reply to Link and Aníbal

(C.Mcl., January 2022)

This is the first part of an exhaustive reply to contributions and interrogations on the question: Has Capitalism entered its Decadence since 1914? that have been published by ‘A Free Retriever’s Digest’.

With this contribution we hope to advance a discussion within proletarian internationalist milieus, and those of the communist lefts in particular, that we esteem of major importance: to achieve a solid appreciation of contemporary capitalism in its historical trajectory, based on the scientific approach of Marx and Engels.

Our translation has been proofread both by the author and the contributor it specifically addresses. We thank Link for his genuine support. Source references have been included in footnotes and with the graphs. Unless mentioned otherwise, quotations from Marx and Engels have been translated directly from German language editions.

Critical comments and contributions are welcome. Please observe the modalities mentioned in the Colophon.

Henry Cinnamon, January 31,  2022.

Notice:

This contribution is freely available for offline reading as well: ‘A Free Retriever’s Digest’ Vol.6 Nr.1 Supplement (February 4, 2022).

In Defense of Historical Materialism (Part I)

Contents

Preface by the Author

1. Questioning the Obsolescence of Capitalism

2. Obsolescence according to Marx, the 3rd International and the Communist Left

3. Myths and Reality of the Changes of Capitalism in 1914

4. What is the Horizon for Estimating the Obsolescence of Capitalism?

Text Boxes:

1. Wars in the ascendancy and in the decadence of capitalism, according to the ICC

2. The Industrial Revolution of the 18th Century in England