Representation and criticism in social and political dynamics: a dialogue between Marx and Spinoza

• Grant number: 23/03546-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: May 01, 2023
• End date: December 31, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Humanities - Philosophy - History of Philosophy
• Principal Investigator: Marilena de Souza Chauí
• Grantee: Pedro Henrique Almeida Cabrera
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Filosofia, Letras e Ciências Humanas (FFLCH). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 18/19880-4 - Power, conflict and freedom: Spinoza and the ways of Modern and Contemporary Political Philosophy about democracy, AP.TEM

Abstract

The overall goal of this research is to understand the role of ideas and their diffusion within society, using as guides two fundamental authors: Marx and Spinoza. In particular, we seek to understand the concepts of ideology and criticism in Marx, emphasizing how the ideological and critical content of ideology influence society. Similarly, we seek to understand the content and relevance of superstitious notions in Spinoza, as well as the socio-political impact of the critique of superstition and the conjunction of political and theological power. We also have as a secondary objective the analysis of the role of the intellectual in politics, given that this figure is fundamental for the production and circulation of ideas in society. In this sense, we aim to find, both in Marx and in Spinoza, the theoretical foundation of the very activity they carry out by publishing their works.