Re: [PEN-L] Re: value, again

[Gerald Levy <glevy@xxxxxxxxx>]

Stephen E Philion wrote:

> Yes, but Jerry you have to explain why you recommend that Doug
> a) choose a liberal school that charges outrageous tution rates that most
> working class students cannot afford instead of the Marxist School, which
> is much cheaper and run by a group of admisitrators who have a much
> greater commitment to Marxism.

The New School's Economics Department is one of the more (if not the most)
radical of any economics departments in the US.  The Marxist School can
not (and indeed has never claimed that it could) be a substitute for a
graduate training in political economy. [btw, when was the last time you
looked at the Marxist School's listing of course offerings?].

> b) retain a liberal faith in education through taking classes in lieu of
> praxis in political activity (i.e. organizing workers..), which would
> reflect a Marxist commitment.

I don't have a "liberal faith" in education. However, I think that an
understanding of political economy requires deliberate study and will not
come to one automatically as a result of organizing workers. Marx,
evidently, thought so as well (hence his advice in the  1872 "Preface to
the French Edition" of V1).

> c) engage in such activities in order to 'learn' something about
> value.

One studies Marx and political economy in order to understand (and change)
the world.  To understand Marx's critique of political economy (whether
one accepts or rejects his method of analysis) requires that one study his
conception of value. This is no easy task ... as Marx himself suggests in
the "Preface to the French Edition."

> Then again, considering how much energy you have
> used to defend the likes of a Malecki, well...

Yes, it is true that I have publicly defended Bob M from the foul and
malicious charge that he is (or was) an FBI agent. Moreover, I take pride
in having challenged the person (and his supporters, like Doug) who made
this accusation. Cop-baiting is a serious issue for those who are serious
about politics. For those that have no sense of personal integrity,
anything goes (including calling someone that you disagree with a cop or
becoming a pro-management snitch). Thank you for bringing this topic up on
PEN-L, Steve.

Jerry