MARX IN HESSEN:

A COMPLEX AND DISPUTED FIELD

Abstract

In the German state of Hessen, in its most diverse cities, other localities and institutions, were the scenes of important discussions and theoretical productions of Marx’s thought. The Institute for Social Research in the city of Frankfurt, where the so-called Critical Theory developed, is perhaps the most well-known reference. But also at the Department of Social Sciences of the University of the same city, at the Institute for Marxist Studies and Research in Frankfurt, as well as at the University of Marburg and the Socialist Office in the city of Offenbach, important contributions were made. In a way, the theoretical divergences that have become explicit in these nuclei of study, research, debate and, theoretical production express unresolved issues and challenges. Democracy and emancipation are themes that have received exemplary antagonistic approaches in Frankfurt and Marburg. All, however, deal with themes from the relevance and insufficiency of Marx's thought as an instrument of understanding and transformation of reality. [Editor’s translation].