Normative Marxism

Marxismfrom its very emergenceraises enormous controversies which results to different trends like Classical MarxismWestern Marxism Neo MarxismAnalytical MarxismNormative Marxism etc.Normative Marxism is the most recent trend of Marxismintroduced by Jon Elsteran Anglo-American Analytical Marxist.In his Making Sense of Marx Elster analyses the issue of whether and in what sense Marxism can make sense today.He introduces a new style in Marxist studies by employing the principles of methodological individualism and rational choice.He propounds the view that Marx''s ideas can only make sense if it is understood from a normative perspective.In this book the author evaluates Elster''s Normative Marxism and argues that Marx never holds an individualist positionrather he attempts to make a unity between individuality and collectivity which is overlooked by Elster. Contrary to Elster''s Normative Marxismhe attempts to show that Marx formulates a scientific theory of society (materialistic conception of history) which suggests that he never bases his thoughts on any moral norms or ideals.