Social Structure and Forms of Consciousness : Vol: I: The Social Determination of Method

Contents: Introduction. 1. The programmatic orientation toward science. 2. The general tendency to formalism. 3. The Standpoint of isolated individuality. 4. Negative determination. 5. The rise and fall of historical temporality. 6. Dualism and dichotomies in philosophy and social theories. 7. The postulates of unity and universality. 8. Method in a historical epoch of transition. Index.

"Today as never before the investigation of the close relationship between social structure defined by Marx as arising from the life process of definite individuals and the various forms of consciousness is particularly important. We can only perceive what is possible by first identifying the historical process that constraints consciousness itself and therefore social action.

The relationship between social structure and forms of consciousness discussed in this new work by one of the worlds leading Marxian philosophers is multifaceted and profoundly dialectical. It requires the presentation of a great wealth of historical material and the  assessment of the relevant philosophical literature from descartes through Hegel and the liberal tradition to the present together with their connections with political economy and political theory. Istvan Meszaros moves beyond both abstract solutions to the surveyed methodological questions and one sided structuralist evaluation of the important substantive issue bringing the process of our understanding of social structure and consciousness to a level not previously attained.
 
Above all in the spirit of the Marxian approach even the most complicated problems are analyzed in relation to the major concerns of our time. Social Structure and Forms of Consciousness is of the highest importance as both a political and philosophical work illumination the place from where we must act today." (jacket)