Published by De Gruyter Oldenbourg

Volume 5 Issue 2

Issue of Analyse & Kritik

Contents
Journal Overview

Publicly Available May 12, 2016

Messung von Arbeitsorientierungen: Theoretische Fundierung und Test alternativer kausaler Meßmodelle

Peter Schmidt

Page range: 115-153

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Abstract

In this paper we deal firstly with epistemological foundations of the process of operationalization in general and the character of correspondence rules in particular. After this we discuss the theoretical foundation of a scale for measuring work motivation. We explicate three different approaches, which can be used as a theoretical background for this scale. As a next step we specify and test different measurement theories relating the observable and the latent variables and compare their suitability. The sample used is a representative sample of the West-German population in 1980. Finally we test the stability of the best model in different age groups .

Publicly Available May 12, 2016

Soziologische Kausalanalyse

Eine Betrachtung aus großer Distanz

Dieter Mans

Page range: 154-194

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Abstract

Is causal analysis an appropriate method to discover causal laws? Some prerequisites for any successful application of mathematical causal models are worked out and discussed. It can be shown that these prerequisites cannot be fulfilled by present models and there are strong reasons to assume that they cannot be satisfied by any model. Therefore causal analysis will probably be of no importance for the discovery of causal laws in sociology.

Publicly Available May 12, 2016

Reply to Four Critics

Gerald A. Cohen

Page range: 195-222

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Abstract

This article is a response to criticisms of my book on Karl Marx’s Theory of History which were made by four authors in last December’s number of Analyse & Kritik. After clarifying (section 2) an ambiguity in an argument for historical materialism which is presented in the book , I contend (3-5), against objections raised by Philippe Van Parijs , that historical materialism is consistent only if it explains production relations functionally, by reference to their propensity to develop the productive forces. Next (6-8) I address and rebut the views of Wal Suchting and Milton Fisk , who both think that the role of class struggle in historical materialism is larger than the one I assign to it. Finally (9-12) I try to vindicate the doctrine of base and superstructure proposed in my book against the skepticism of Steven Lukes.

Publicly Available May 12, 2016

The Shilling Primacy Puzzle. A Rejoinder

Philippe Van Parijs

Page range: 223-230

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Abstract

One important claim of G.A. Cohen's Karl Marx’s Theory of History is that only its functional interpretation of historical materialism can solve the “primacy puzzle”, i.e. can reconcile the primacy of the productive forces with the controlling role of the production relations. Cohen’s recent “Reply to Four Critics” (in this journal) does not salvage this claim against my earlier critique that it is either false or trivial. He only avoids falsehood by substantially redefining the terms of the puzzle. And with the redefined puzzle, the claim becomes trivial in the sense that one of the two terms which the primacy puzzle consists in reconciling requires a functional interpretation on its own . The “Veblenian scenario” which I put forward in my earlier text and whose full force Cohen has been prevented from appreciating by two misunderstandings, illustrates what I claim to be the general solution to the only genuine primacy puzzle.

About this journal

ANALYSE & KRITIK

is devoted to the fundamental issues of empirical and normative social theory
is directed at social scientists and social philosophers who combine commitment to political and moral enlightenment with argumentative rigour and conceptual clarity
develops social theorizing in connection with analytical philosophy and philosophy of science
promotes the dialogue between Anglo-American and Continental traditions in the social sciences and ethics
publishes articles in English