Marx’s Critical Ambition and Immanent Critique

Abstract

In this paper, we investigate is how critical theorists have carried out Marx’s critical ambition. We examine the meaning of Marx’s aspiration of critique, the approach of immanent critique, and the application of this approach in various realms. Our analysis is based on the literature review of the works of critical theorists who specialize in feminism, labor, neo-colonialism, and other areas. We find that Marx aspired to achieve human emancipation through a type of critique that works within the existing system, rejects predictions and dogmas, and has the potential to transform both the system and the norm. Alternatively, we find that critical theorists have used immanent critiques as the core approach to fulfill Marx’s critical ambition, and this approach has been used in various domains in society, including gender, economic, and intercultural relations. These findings shed light not only on the influence of Marx’s expectation of critique on the core approach of critical theory but also on the ways critical theorists fulfill Marx’s ambition. Our findings provide a theoretical ground for the transformative potential of the ongoing movements that attempt to overthrow certain unjust norms in society. Also, our findings affirm the political efficacy of the participants of these progressive social movements.