Rileggiamo Marx

Risposta a Pellicani

Rereading Marx

Pellicani has clarified the limitations of Weber's definition of the genesis of capitalism very well. The analysis of Marx's thought is more problematic, however. Whereas the emphasis Marx placed on the importance of the economic structure suggests a deterministic interpretation of his thought, both he and Engels repeatedly stressed the political role of the market town in the birth of capitalism, comparing this historical phenomenon with the 'princely encampments' that were the very essence of oriental towns. In Marx, therefore, the economic structure is prominent but not exclusively so in terms of the comprehension of this important historical period: and hence his interpretation may still be shared.