University of Worcester, St John’s Campus, Henwick Grove, St John’s, Worcester, WR2 6AJ
Our understanding of the kind of society we’re living in is shaped by our circumstances: our home, our work, our finances, our communities.
Recognising our own place in the economy, politics and history is part of developing a wider awareness of how capitalist society functions.
Alongside an understanding of the mechanics of capitalism, political consciousness also involves our attitude towards it. Seeing through the ideologies which promote accepting our current social system requires us to question and judge what we experience.
Realising that capitalism doesn’t benefit the vast majority of people naturally leads on to considering what alternative society could run for the benefit of everyone.
The Socialist Party’s weekend of talks and discussion explores what political consciousness is, how it arises and what we, as a class and as individuals, can do with it.
Talks include:
Darren Poynton on Socialist Consciousness, Solidarity and Democratic Virtues
What is required for socialist consciousness can be thought of as comprising two parts. One: a theoretical understanding of capitalist relations as a form of social compulsion that inevitably constrains the actions of both workers and capitalists. Two: a practical capacity to organise in a democratic and active way, that is required for both the establishment and continued reproduction of socialism. This talk will focus on this second aspect.
Keith Graham on Political Consciousness: What Can We Learn From Marx?
Karl Marx’s views on political consciousness are best understood in the context of his wider views about human society in general and capitalist society in particular. This talk will assess the plausibility of the relevant elements in these theories and consider what implications they hold for the transition from capitalism to socialism. In particular, the question of inevitability will be addressed.
Details of the weekend’s other sessions will be announced soon.
Our venue is the University of Worcester, St John’s Campus, Henwick Grove, St John’s, Worcester, WR2 6AJ.
Full residential cost (including accommodation and meals Friday evening to Sunday afternoon) is £150. The concessionary rate is £80.
Or, you can make a booking by sending a cheque (payable to the Socialist Party of Great Britain) with your contact details to Summer School, The Socialist Party, 52 Clapham High Street, London, SW4 7UN.
Day visitors are welcome, £20 with meals, voluntary contributions without, but please e-mail for details in advance. Send enquiries to spgbschool@yahoo.co.uk.