This is a typical self-justification of the bureaucracy.

[tahasozgen]

Hi There;

I am reading a book, "Power and Money" written by Ernest Mandel, and there is a sentence that I cannot understand.
In order to understand Mr Mandel 's sentence, specific concepts that should be known in advance: The Hegelian concept of Labor [1] and the Lukácsian concept of labor [2].

"The new Hegelian, new Lukácsian concept of labor, distinct and separate from the content of material sensibility, exclusively purpose-oriented, includes the continuity of the social division of labor in socialism; This is a typical self-justification of the bureaucracy."

Let's dissect the sentence:
1- Labour's concept has changed. It transforms to a Hegelian, Lukácsian concept.
2- It is distinct and seperate from the content of material sensibility. It is exclusively purpose-oriented.
3- It includes the continuity of the social division of labour.
4- Article 1,2 and 3 self-justification of the bureaucracy.
How can bureaucracy self-justify itself based on articles 1, 2 and 3? Thanks in advance.

[1] : The Hegelian concept of Labor
The Hegelian concept of labor is deeply rooted in the philosophy of Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel, a German philosopher who influenced many aspects of modern thought, including Marxist philosophy. Hegel's ideas on labor are primarily discussed within the framework of his broader philosophical system, particularly his views on history, freedom, and the development of self-consciousness. Here are some key aspects of the Hegelian concept of labor:

1. Labor as Mediation: Hegel sees labor (Arbeit) as a fundamental activity through which human beings mediate their relationship with nature and thereby transform both themselves and the world. Labor is not simply a means of survival or production but a process through which individuals realize their potential and contribute to the development of society.
2. Self-Consciousness and Recognition: In Hegel's philosophy, the process of labor is intertwined with the development of self-consciousness (Selbstbewusstsein) and mutual recognition (Anerkennung). Through labor, individuals externalize their subjective intentions into the objective world, gaining recognition from others and affirming their own identity in the process.
3. Historical Progress: Hegel's concept of labor is situated within his broader theory of historical progress and the dialectical movement of history. He views labor as a central force driving the development of human societies, leading to the unfolding of freedom and self-determination over time.
4. Alienation and Freedom: While Hegel does not use the term "alienation" in the same way Marx does, he acknowledges that in certain social conditions, individuals may feel disconnected from the products of their labor or may experience a lack of fulfillment. However, Hegel emphasizes the potential for labor to be a source of self-realization and freedom when individuals recognize themselves in their work and through their interactions with others.
5. Social and Ethical Dimensions: Hegel's philosophy of labor also encompasses social and ethical dimensions. He argues for the importance of ethical work (sittliche Arbeit) that contributes positively to the ethical life of society, promoting solidarity and mutual recognition among individuals.

Overall, Hegel's concept of labor is integral to his broader philosophical system, linking individual action with historical development, self-consciousness, and the realization of freedom. It provides a rich framework for understanding the significance of labor not only in economic terms but also in terms of human self-realization and social cohesion.

[2]: Lukácsian concept of labor

The Lukácsian concept of labor is rooted in the philosophy of Georg Lukács, a Hungarian Marxist philosopher. According to Lukács, labor plays a central role not only in the production of material goods but also in shaping human consciousness and social relations. Here are some key aspects of Lukácsian concept of labor:

1. Dialectical Materialism: Lukács adopts a dialectical materialist approach, viewing labor as a fundamental activity that mediates the interaction between humanity and the natural world. Through labor, humans transform nature and, in the process, transform themselves and their social relations.
2. Alienation and Reification: One of Lukács's significant contributions is his analysis of alienation (Entfremdung) and reification (Verdinglichung). He argues that under capitalism, labor becomes alienated because workers do not control the products of their labor; instead, the products and the process of labor become reified—that is, they take on a life of their own independent of the workers who produce them.
3. Consciousness and Subjectivity: Lukács emphasizes that labor is not merely a mechanical process but a conscious activity through which humans realize their potential and develop their subjectivity. In his view, under capitalism, this consciousness can become distorted or fragmented due to alienation and reification.
4. Historical Materialism: Within the framework of historical materialism, Lukács argues that labor shapes historical development and the formation of social structures. He sees labor as a dynamic force that drives historical change and the evolution of human society.
5. Critique of Capitalism: Central to Lukács's concept of labor is a critique of capitalism, which he views as a system that distorts human relationships and alienates individuals from their true potential. He argues for the liberation of labor from the constraints imposed by capitalist relations of production.

Overall, the Lukácsian concept of labor integrates philosophical, economic, and sociological dimensions, emphasizing its transformative power in shaping both material conditions and human consciousness within the historical context of capitalist society.

 

[jutfrank]

The way I read it, with such meagre context, the self-justification relates to the 'continuity of the social division of labor' part, i.e., only article 3. The bureaucracy is responsible for managing this division of labor.