The Unconscious Spirit of Communism

This award-winning work makes the case for all organic working-class character of the Polish Solidarność revolution of 1980–81.

Michał Siermiński debunks the canonical idea that the movement was orchestrated primarily by intellectuals from the democratic opposition, who brought consciousness to the workers “from the outside.” Siermiński traces the origins of the Polish revolution to the self-activity and self-organization developed by the Polish working class during earlier protests, strikes, and occupations. The book convincingly demonstrates that Solidarność was driven by the working class’s own aims, experiences and revolutionary instinct – often in direct opposition to the efforts of intellectuals to contain its radicalism.

ISBN: 9798903931781

Publication date: April 8, 2027

Foreword
Preface
Acknowledgements

Introduction: Communism and the Return of the Repressed

1 Karatani and the Liberated Marx

2 Marx and the Unconscious

3 The Science of Spirit

4 Kant, Marx, and Transcendental Critique

5 The Gift and Modes of Exchange

6 Theory of the State

7 Socialism and Associationism

8 Kant’s Perpetual Peace

9 Metaphors in Marx

10 Nation and Transcritique on Kant and Freud

11 Isonomia and Socrates

Epilogue: Marx and the Unconscious Spirit

Bibliography
Index