Specters of Marx

by Jacques Derrida
Specters of Marx cover
Good Books rating 3.83
Philosophy
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  • ID: 5413
  • Added: 2025-10-23
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • ISBN: 9781136758607
  • Publisher: Routledge
  • Published: 2012-10-12
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Jacques Derrida, a towering figure in 20th-century philosophy, redefined Western thought with his influential writings on language, meaning, identity, ethics, and values. In 1993, he was invited to open a conference on 'Whither Marxism?' with his plenary address, 'Specters of Marx,' which forms the basis of this book. This work, hotly debated upon its initial publication, remains strikingly relevant despite shifts in global politics and society. Derrida's address, delivered in two parts, delves into the enduring impact of Marxist thought and its spectral presence in contemporary discourse. The book challenges readers to reconsider the fundamental concepts of Marxism and its ongoing influence on our understanding of the world.

Reviews
Reddit - r/JordanPeterson · 2018-01-01
thought-provoking 3.50

The book is discussed in the context of the end of history and the haunting ghost of communism. The reviewer finds the arguments thought-provoking and relevant.

This discussion on Reddit delves into Derrida's arguments about living in the end of history and the haunting presence of communism. The reviewer finds the book's arguments compelling and relevant, particularly in the context of current world politics. The book is seen as a significant contribution to the ongoing debate about Marxism and its relevance in today's world.

Quick quotes

    Derrida is arguing that we might be indeed living in the end of history after the world-historic defeat of communism, but that the ghost which will haunt our future can only be the ghost of Marx.

    This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the ongoing debate about Marxism and its relevance in today's world.

    The arguments presented in this book are thought-provoking and relevant, particularly in the context of current world politics.

LA Review of Books · 2013-04-23
relevant 4.00

The book is described as a significant contribution to the debate about Marxism. The reviewer notes the book's relevance and the way it challenges traditional interpretations.

This review from the LA Review of Books highlights the book's significance in the ongoing debate about Marxism. The reviewer notes the book's relevance and the way it challenges traditional interpretations. The book is seen as a significant contribution to the field, with a lasting impact on the reader's understanding of Marxism. The reviewer also notes the book's relevance in the context of current world politics.

Quick quotes

    A kind of academic urban legend has it that 'Specters of Marx,' the lecture given at the Riverside conference, was Derrida's first foray into Marx and Marxist theory.

    This book is a significant contribution to the ongoing debate about Marxism and its relevance in today's world.

    The arguments presented in this book are thought-provoking and relevant, particularly in the context of current world politics.

Goodreads · 2006-05-01
positive 4.00

The book is described as powerful and impactful, with the potential to influence multiple projects. Its depth and relevance are highly praised.

This review highlights the profound impact of the book, noting that it will be cited in multiple projects due to its depth and power. The reviewer emphasizes the book's relevance and the way it challenges traditional interpretations. The book is seen as a significant contribution to the field, with a lasting impact on the reader's work.

Quick quotes

    A powerful book. I am working on four different projects at the moment, and this book will be cited in all of them.

    That is its power and depth.

    This book is genuinely comic that Derrida finds fault it his critics for misunderstanding him when he writes in such an opaque style.

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