Rhetoric and Radical Economics: A Comment on Resnick and Wolff

Abstract

In their paper on “A Tradition of Theoretical Differences,” Stephen Resnick and Richard Wolff sharply criticize the methods or approaches of many Marxists. I agree with the essence (if I may use that much-abused term) of their criticisms and the essence of their own approach. I disagree, however, with their terminology or rhetoric. If one is convinced that a traditional term, such as dialectics, has often been used in an incorrect fashion, there are two possible ways to deal with this problem. One way, used by Resnick and Wolff, is to invent a brand new name for the concept. The concept is then completely reinterpreted under its new name, as when, for example, they substitute “overdeterminism” for “dialectics.” The advantage is that everyone is clear that they are doing something new. The disadvantages include a proliferation of new terminology, loss of continuity with traditional Marxist concepts, a more difficult task when explaining the concept from scratch, and a more difficult job in persuading other Marxists.