Louis Althusser (1918-1990) was a prominent French philosopher and Marxist theorist. He is known for his influential contributions to structural Marxism and his critique of traditional Marxist doctrines.
Althusser believed that traditional Marxism, which emphasized economic determinism and class struggle, was insufficient in explaining the complexities of social structures. Instead, he proposed a theory based on the concept of ideological state apparatuses (ISAs) and repressive state apparatuses (RSAs). ISAs are institutions like schools, churches, and media, which reproduce the dominant ideology and maintain control over the masses. On the other hand, RSAs, such as the police and military, enforce the ideology through coercion and violence. According to Althusser, the ruling class perpetuates its dominance not only through economic forces but also through these ideological and repressive apparatuses.
Another significant concept introduced by Althusser is "interpellation." He argued that individuals are interpellated, or called into subjecthood, by ideological apparatuses. In simpler terms, he stated that people are shaped and influenced by societal norms and values.
Althusser's ideas have had a profound impact on various disciplines, including sociology, political science, and literary theory. His writings, such as "For Marx" and "Reading Capital," have been widely read and studied by scholars around the world. Despite controversy and criticism surrounding his personal and political life, Althusser's intellectual contributions continue to be relevant and influential within Marxist discourse.
