DIALÉTICA DO CONCRETO (A PRÁXIS) - KAREL KOSIC

Summary

Karel Kosík’s work *The Dialectic of the Concrete* delves into the concept of praxis, a central idea in Marxist theory. Praxis is not merely a concept, but a critical analytical category essential for understanding human sociability and transformation. Unlike animals driven by instinct, humans engage in mediated actions through reflection, which enable them to shape the world. Praxis evolves historically, driving social progress and human freedom. Kosík also emphasizes the unique human ability to create and understand reality through praxis, which ultimately distinguishes humans from other species. The video explores these philosophical insights into human action and development.

Takeaways

• 😀 Praxis is a fundamental concept in Karel Kosík's work, 'Dialectic of the Concrete,' which builds on the Marxian notion of human activity as socially mediated and reflective.
• 😀 Praxis is more than just a philosophical concept; it is a category of analysis that helps understand human action within social and economic contexts.
• 😀 According to Marxian thought, the economy is defined by social relations of production, and praxis is central to human existence and production, both individual and collective.
• 😀 Kosík emphasizes that praxis is inherently social and human, a distinguishing factor that sets humans apart from animals, who operate based on instincts rather than reflective action.
• 😀 Praxis reveals the authentic nature of human creation, serving as the means through which humans engage with and transform the world, making it possible to access truth and reality.
• 😀 Human beings are 'generic' in nature, meaning that every individual contains within them the history, knowledge, and experiences of the collective humanity.
• 😀 The essence and universality of praxis lie in its role in continually transforming the world through human action, creating qualitative leaps in social relations and individual freedom.
• 😀 Kosík stresses that praxis is an active, historically developed process that evolves over generations, improving as it adapts to changing conditions and societal needs.
• 😀 Praxis involves not only labor (the physical and mental energy expended in production) but also existential dimensions, wherein humans shape their identity through experiences such as emotions, struggles, and victories.
• 😀 The development of praxis allows humans to transcend immediate biological needs, creating a distance between humanity and the rest of the animal kingdom, enabling greater freedom and autonomy.

Q & A

What is the primary concept discussed in Karel Kosik's 'The Dialectic of the Concrete'?

The primary concept discussed is 'praxis,' which is the active and reflective human intervention in the world that shapes social reality.

How does Kosik differentiate 'praxis' from being just a philosophical concept?

Kosik argues that 'praxis' is not just a philosophical concept but a category of analysis in dialectical theory. It is a concrete, socially mediated human activity that transcends simple theoretical understanding.

Why is 'praxis' considered a fundamental category for understanding human existence?

'Praxis' is fundamental because it mediates human action with the world, linking thought with action to transform both the individual and collective existence in society.

How does Kosik explain the relationship between 'praxis' and human nature?

Kosik suggests that 'praxis' reveals the human being's ontological nature as a creative being, capable of transforming reality. Unlike animals, humans are not just instinctive; they act with reflection and intent to reshape their world.

What role does 'praxis' play in the creation of human society and reality?

Praxis is the process through which humans actively create, define, and continuously reshape social reality, forming the basis for human culture, including art, philosophy, and collective cooperation.

What is the significance of 'praxis' in Marxist thought according to Kosik?

In Marxist thought, 'praxis' is crucial because it embodies the labor and action of individuals transforming the material conditions of existence, driving both individual and collective historical development.

How does 'praxis' relate to the concept of human freedom?

Praxis relates to human freedom by allowing individuals to transcend basic biological survival and actively shape their social and material reality. This process fosters greater autonomy and creativity.

What distinguishes human action (praxis) from animal action according to Kosik?

Humans, through 'praxis,' engage in reflective and purposeful action that goes beyond biological necessity, while animals act based on instinct, without reflective thought or the ability to alter their environment with conscious intent.

How does Kosik link 'praxis' to the development of human subjectivity?

Kosik highlights that 'praxis' shapes human subjectivity by creating emotional, social, and existential experiences, such as joy, fear, or hope, that are actively formed through interaction with the world, marking a distinction from passive experiences.

What does Kosik mean by 'praxis' being a process that continually renews itself?

Kosik explains that 'praxis' is not static; it evolves over time through historical and social development, improving and renewing as it addresses new challenges, questions, and realities.