Sample Class: Marx and the Senses

Taught by Prof. Michael Powers, Assistant Professor of German & Russian Studies

In his political philosophy, Karl Marx provocatively claims that the human senses are not immutable, but in fact change according to our socio-historical circumstances. Under capitalism in particular, he argues, all of our senses have become estranged and replaced by what he terms the "sense of having." How are we to understand this claim? And why is Marx, best known as a political revolutionary, interested in the senses to begin with? We will explore these questions in the context of Marx's original thought, as well as with an eye toward the legacy of this insight in the realm of art.

To increase opportunities for interaction, this sample class will be conducted as a Zoom meeting; we welcome you to have your camera on if you are comfortable. Please note that sample classes will *not* be recorded.