Against, outside & beyond

Abstract

This thesis is a critical engagement with the work of John Holloway, the Midnight Notes Collective and Antonio Negri and Paulo Virno. All these authors are part of 'the perspective of autonomy', a heterodox tendency of communist thought that aims to understand capitalism from the point of view oflabour's rebellious self-activity. These authors can be broken into three more specific tendencies: against (John Holloway), outside (the Midnight Notes Collective), and beyond (Antonio Negri and Paulo Virno). Here I present the analysis and politics of each, as well as critical reflections on their limitations and failings. Each tendency provides refreshing understandings of capitalism and struggle, which helps us revive a communist understanding of our condition. Yet in all three tendencies we see the recurring error of trying to stretch their insights too far: as an explanation for 'everything' and in the hope of providing an objective basis for proletarian solidarity. This limits their ability to suggest paths forward for the creation of militant forms of activity. It is the hope that this study will help the development of better understandings of capitalism, class and struggle and contribute to the development of emancipatory politics. Show more