The Autonomist Thesis of the Crisis of Value: Critiques and Perspectives.

Hanon, Ingrid

This article critically addresses charges of obsolescence of the law of value by autonomist scholars within the postoperaist tradition, a prominent perspective within Marxist theory that has sparked considerable debate and discussion. Drawing primarily upon the Grundrisse, the thesis advanced by the autonomists suggests an imminent crisis of the law of value due to the introduction of the "general intellect" into the production process, thereby undermining traditional mechanisms for measuring value and thus, exploitation. This article incorporates the most insightful contributions from value-informed Marxian scholars to assess the autonomist thesis of the growing obsolescence of the law of value. This article also situates the premise of the crisis of value in relation to Marx's own work, particularly his economic writings throughout his adult life. By doing so, this article systematize the most fundamental misinterpretations, tensions, inconsistencies, and contradictions within their theoretical framework, highlighting the ongoing relevance of Marx's value theory for interpreting recent transformations in the world of work.

MARX, Karl, 1818-1883; VALUE (Economics); MARXIST philosophy; MANUFACTURING processes; OBSOLESCENCE; INTELLECT

International Critical Thought, 2024, Vol 14, Issue 4, p550

2159-8282

Academic Journal

10.1080/21598282.2024.2431468