A normative or value dimension to marxism: Recent Attempts in the West

Western Marxist theorists have devoted very little attention to the moral or ethical dimension of their vocation. This is attributed to an attempt to keep Marxism “scientific,” an attempt which is however based upon a false view of science as value free. Two very recent works which have recognized the problem and have attempted to establish a comprehensive Marxist ethical theory are then examined. One attempts to ground a Marxist ethics in the labor theory of value; the other, in group affiliation and relation ships. The theories are described and criticized. The article concludes with a set of propositions which the authors are convinced are essential for orienting future work in this area.