Against 'Peaceful Coexistence' on the Ideological Front: Jarosław Ładosz Reads Polish Sociology

• In Event: The Search for Legitimisation in a Post-Stalinist Society: Polish Intellectuals and the Reconceptualization of the Marxist Project

Abstract

In the 1960s, American sociology became an important area of inspiration and discussion for Polish sociologists. While this dialogue, along with extensive international contacts, in many ways secured their relatively strong position on the international stage, especially compared to other state socialist countries, it was attacked by Jarosław Ładosz, widely considered the chief “orthodox” Marxist philosopher. In my paper, I will analyze his criticism and its underlying reasons (focusing particularly on the Polish discussions of social stratification), highlight its distinction from previous critiques, such as Stalinist attacks on sociology and Schaff’s 1962 critique of empirical methods, and discuss the reasons behind the marginality of Ładosz's position.

Author

• Monika Woźniak, Institute of Philosophy CAS (Czech Republic)