Moishe Postone

About the Author

Moishe Postone (1942–2018) was a distinguished philosopher and social theorist whose groundbreaking scholarship reshaped understandings of Marxism and modern capitalism. Born in Germany and raised in the United States, Postone earned his PhD from the University of Chicago, where he later became a professor of history, specializing in 20th-century European intellectual history. His work critically engaged with Karl Marx's theories, emphasizing the historical specificity of labor and value in capitalist societies rather than viewing them as transhistorical categories. Postone's innovative reinterpretations challenged orthodox Marxism, influencing debates on globalization, alienation, and social domination. Throughout his career, he authored numerous essays and lectured internationally, leaving a profound legacy in critical theory that continues to inspire scholars examining the contradictions of contemporary society.