Clearly, the idea that the world is rational must be forced onto nature; it cannot be read from it, since nature is not Mind.
^^^^^ CB: This seems an "a priori" statement by Rosa. It is not "clear" that the idea that the world is rational must be forced onto nature, nor that to "read" rationality from it, it must be Mind. For example, Darwin's theory , in contrast to "intelligent design" , can be termed "intelligible happenstance". Nature evolves its life forms, species originated , in a rational or intelligible manner. This is not imposing ideas on nature. It is using ideas to represent what is in objective reality. Similarly dialectical and historical historical materialism, rooted in Marx and Engels' thinking, reflect and intelligible aspect of the objective reality of human history. ^^^^^^ Nevertheless, it is far easier to rationalise the imposition of a hierarchical and grossly unequal class system on 'disorderly' workers if ruling-class ideologues can persuade one and all that the 'law-like' order of the natural world actually reflects, and is reflected in turn by the social order from which their patrons just so happen to benefit --, the fundamental aspects of which none may question. ^^^^ CB: Of course, Marx and Engels dialectical materialism does the opposite with respect to rationalising the imposition of hiearchical and grossly unequal class system on workers. It helps expose the exploitative class relations in objective reality , rather than imposing them on reality. _______________________________________________ Marxism-Thaxis mailing list Marxism-Thaxis@lists.econ.utah.edu To change your options or unsubscribe go to: http://lists.econ.utah.edu/mailman/listinfo/marxism-thaxis