Ideology and alienation: A necessary relationship

Abstract

This article results from a research1 focused on ideology and alienation as social complexes present in the world of men, and on fundamental determinations that connect these two categories in human thought and praxis. The study aims to reflect on the ontological foundations and roles in society of ideology and alienation, based on the thought of Georg Lukács (2013) in his work Para uma Ontologia do Ser Social [Toward the Ontology of Social Being]. The article is structured in two distinct and connected moments, discussing first ideology and the fundamental base of the concepts. Then, the work debates alienation as an ideological phenomenon, particularly when it comes to reifications and their relevance to the critique of capitalism.

Cuidado em saúde e alienação: relação mediada pela tecnologia

“…Fruitful possibilities for connection between humankind and individuals are created, thus enriching human potentialities. However, this inherent and irrepressible facet of work may, in antagonized societies, be subordinated to particular interests, to the detriment of humankind 2,[8][9][10][11] . This is exactly what happens in capitalism, under the aegis of abstract work.…”

“…In the midst of organization of life through widespread exchange of goods, those who have nothing to sell, except themselves, enter this dynamic in a position of inequality, even if they legally seem equal 1 . This constitutes subsuming of the value of use to the exchange value, in which placing value on the product is of interest, and not necessarily the development of humankind 1,2,6,8,10,11 .…”

“…in everyday life, as a conditioned reflex; or authentically (socially relevant), i.e. embedded in the work complex, like in fetishism of merchandise 2,9,10 .…”