RETHINKING ALTHUSSER: DIALECTICAL MATERIALISM, IDEOLOGY, AND KNOWLEDGE PRODUCTION IN CONTEMPORARY THEORY

This article explores the enduring relevance of Louis Althusser's dialectical materialism, particularly his theory of ideology and the philosophy of science in contemporary debates within social theory. Drawing on Althusser’s key works, including For Marx (1970) and Reading Capital (1970), as well as recent critical interpretations, this study examines how Althusser’s materialist philosophy provides a framework for understanding the production of knowledge and the role of ideology in shaping both scientific and social structures. The article argues that Althusser’s conceptualization of science as a “theoretical practice” is central to understanding the dynamics of scientific revolutions amd offers a materialist alternative to humanist interpretations of Marxism. By synthesizing Althusser’s work with contemporary discussions in the philosophy of science, the article highlights the applicability of Althusser’s dialectics to modern scientific and social theory. Additionally, it explores Althusser’s contributions to the understanding of class struggle and subjectivity in knowledge production and asserts that his ideas continue to inform critical theory’s engagement with the complex relationships between structure, agency, and ideology. This article ultimately seeks to reaffirm Althusser’s position as a pivotal figure in the development of Marxist theory and philosophy and offers a robust framework for analyzing the intersection of science, ideology, and social change.