Richard Gilman-Opalsky & Matt Soener, "Marxism" dialogue | Fall '25 MCT

Value of the Information & Strength of the Argument

The value of the information is high, as both speakers provide nuanced interpretations of Marx that challenge common caricatures. Gilman-Opalsky’s ontological reading is particularly insightful, highlighting the often-overlooked humanist dimension of Marx’s work. Soener’s historical materialist approach is equally valuable, offering a clear framework for understanding Marx’s method and its contemporary relevance. The argumentation is solid, with both speakers grounding their claims in specific texts and examples. However, the dialogue format means that some points are not fully developed, and the discussion could benefit from more direct engagement between the two perspectives.

Scientific Rigor, Source Quality, Title Accuracy

The speakers demonstrate rigorous engagement with primary sources, citing specific works by Marx and other theorists. The suggested readings provided in the description are relevant and authoritative. The title accurately reflects the content, and the dialogue format is appropriate for the topic. The discussion is well-structured, with each speaker providing a clear introduction and then engaging in a broader dialogue. The sources cited are credible and directly related to the arguments presented.

The title accurately reflects the content: a dialogue between two scholars on Marxism.

8/10

The dialogue is presented by two academics with relevant expertise, and the discussion is grounded in primary texts and scholarly references. The arguments are well-structured and demonstrate deep familiarity with Marxist theory, though the format is a lecture/dialogue rather than a peer-reviewed presentation.

Markers derived by PSI from the transcript: the creator did not define chapters.

• 02:00Introduction by Dee Rugles, land acknowledgement, and speaker introductions.
• 05:00Gilman-Opalsky begins his talk on ontological approaches to Marx.
• 10:00Discussion of Gattungswesen and the ontological dimension of Marx's thought.
• 15:00Gilman-Opalsky connects ontology to contemporary issues like transgender liberation and ecology.
• 20:00Soener begins his talk on Marxism as a theory of history.
• 25:00Discussion of the 'eternal present' and the need for historicizing social relations.
• 30:00Soener discusses Marx's dialectical and materialist method.
• 35:00Dialogue between the two speakers and audience Q&A begins.

• Marx, Karl. Capital. Chapters 26 and 32 — Suggested reading on primitive accumulation and the historical tendency of capitalist accumulation.
• Marx, Karl. Economic and Philosophic Manuscripts of 1844. Section 4: 'Estranged Labor.' — Suggested reading on alienation and estranged labor.
• Marx, Karl. Grundrisse: Foundations of the Critique of Political Economy. Notebook 1, October 1857, 'The Chapter on Money.' — Suggested reading on money and exchange value.
• Marx, Karl. The Eighteenth Brumaire of Louis Bonaparte. Chapters 1 and 7. — Suggested reading on historical analysis of authoritarianism.
• Marx, Karl. The Civil War in France. 'The Paris Commune' and 'The Fall of Paris.' — Suggested reading on the Paris Commune.
• Dunayevskaya, Raya. Marx's Philosophy of Revolution in Permanence for Our Day. — Referenced in the discussion on Marxist humanism.
• Gilman-Opalsky, Richard, and Bruno Gulli. Communist Ontologies. — Referenced as the basis for the ontological approach.
• Karatani, Kojin. History and Repetition. — Referenced in relation to the Eighteenth Brumaire.

• Marx, Karl. Capital. Chapters 26 and 32 — Provides the basis for discussions on primitive accumulation and historical tendency.
• Marx, Karl. Economic and Philosophic Manuscripts of 1844 — Supports the ontological reading of Marx's early work.
• Marx, Karl. Grundrisse — Supports the discussion on exchange value and social relations.