Introduction
Marxist Herbert Marcus was regarded in the 1960s as the guru of the new left. Although Marcus was not the only Marxist to formulate theories of integration and capitalist stabilization his vigorous search for alternative forces and how he bluntly presented his theories distinguished him from his contemporaries. As a trained philosopher that was affiliated with the German exiles known as “Frankfurt School”, Marcus had a reputation for promoting radical thinking and opposition. (Burley 165)
This essay will highlight Marcuse’s theories of rational thinking and also examine his philosophy on counterculture and the new left in regards to an affluent society. Marcuse’s thoughts will be placed in context to what was occurring historically in the United States now. Furthermore, his popularity with the new left will also be explained.
Marcuse’s philosophy regarding counter culture and the new left
By limiting Marcuse to the politics of the 1960s will be a dishonor not only to him but also to his relevant contributions to social theories and philosophies. In an era where the United States is in conjunction with terrorism, an economic crisis, an increasingly global movement against corporate war and capitalism, Marcuse’s political version about critical thinking proves to be highly important to the problems of the contemporary moments. In 1964 when Marcuse published his “one man dimension” an advanced study to industrial societies, it was not taken seriously but a few years on, his theories began to inspire people. (Jones 423)
“One-dimensional man” Marcuse’s publication motivated members of the new left. Before this time, the old left was puritanical and doctrine but when Marcuse’s publication emerged, it influenced radical members of the old left who subsequently became the new left. Unlike the old left, the new left engaged in social movements and it was pluralistic. It campaigned, using anti-authoritarian forms of political struggle. For Marcuse, it was just a demand for democracy, social justice, and total freedom. Inspired by the enthusiastic response of new left members, sympathizers of the new left, and a huge number of his academic colleagues, Marcuse became a major figure in the then growing anti-war movement. (Jones 505)
Marcuse’s popularity with the new left
In the 1960s when Herbert Marcuse was termed guru of the new left, it did not come as a surprise as he already had a reputation of being a radical philosopher and a great promoter of social justice and total freedom. Before the emergence of the new left, the old left accepted the general system domination which combined politics, economics, technology, and social organization. (Burley 865)
Marcus believed the seeming prospects of advanced societies which had the power, wealth, technology, and science to alleviate poverty, were instead used to produce and promote aggression, violence, injustice, and domination. The new left was perfect machinery for Marcuse to propagate his opinions and this increased his popularity with the new left immensely. His works bluntly criticized the united state’s imperialism, environmental destruction, racism, sexism and other forms of oppression which he perceived were growing in scope and intensity. (Burley 111)
Conclusion
Herbert Marcuse as a philosopher championed a course that has proved to be important even in the present contemporary moment. Society was taking a single dimension towards everything and improvements were not seen as poorer nations continued to wallow away in poverty. More importantly, Marcuse’s theories of social justice inspired a lot of people and eventually encouraged them to speak out against social injustice. He had a reputation for developing global perspectives on resistance and domination. Also, his identification with the new left through which he fostered demands for revolutionary change earned him respect amongst political radicals and hatred from established forces. (Jones 202)
Works cited
Burley, Peter. Life and works of Herbert Marcuse: “Theories and philosophies”. London: maximillian, 1998. Print.
Jones, Bernard. A systematic approach to politics: “Radical politics of the 1960s”. 1997. Web.