Schema of the Theory of Reification

Hiromatsu argues that the change from Marx's theory of self-alienation to the concept of reification is crucial in establishing a new relational worldview which is still relevant today. Amongst other topics, his discussion of the understanding of society sees such as a relational dynamic wherein the individual is constantly composed and composing in relation to others, including nature. This understanding is, he argues, the "e;single science of history"e; of Marx and Engels. It overcomes the hypostasizing subject - object relation still prevalent today. Originally published in Japanese as Busshokaron no kozu by Iwanami Shoten, Publishers, Tokyo, 1983, 1994. (c) By Kuniko Hiromatsu.