Analysis Of Herbert Marcuses One Dimensional Man - 872 Words

Herbert Marcuse, a Frankfurt philosopher, wrote his book One-Dimensional Man in the 1960’s during at the height of the Cold War. The book One Dimensional Man was both influential and highly critical of modern industrial capitalism and as Marcuse believed, its subsequent exploitation of people and nature, as well as its contribution to modern consumer culture and new forms of social control. One Dimensional Man offers an analysis of the new state of consumerism during the 1960’s through a critical lens. This essay will focus on One Dimensional Man as I explore his view that technological development, alienated labour and consumerism have distorted affluent societies in creating false needs as well as perpetuating unfairness through various†¦show more content†¦However, he never addresses what the standards are for defining what is true and false. He also argues that it is the individual who must ultimately decide this, but at the same time, the individual does n ot have the mental capacity to do so (Marcuse, H. 1968). This development of false needs results in one-dimensional thought and behaviour where the ability for individuals to think critically is compromised. This lack of critical thinking results in a flattening of discussion, critic and independence. What Marcuse is ultimately saying is that the capacity for independent thought is becoming blurred with the influence of consumer culture. The ability for those within an advanced industrial society to reason between ‘two dimensions’ (Marcuse, H. 1968), in other words, to look at an industrial society characterised by labour and waste while still acknowledging technological progress, and to imagine a form of living that uses technology to aid nature rather than perpetuate poverty and oppression within the society. Why do false needs exist? they are a means of making money. Consumers think they are free to choose what product they want to purchase, Marcuse calls this â€Å"deceptive liberty† (Marcuse, H. 1968, p.9). The faà §ade of liberty to choose what to do and buy. It is deceptive because people are greatly influenced by this new consumer culture and may not even realize it. Therefore, it isShow MoreRelatedMicro And Macro Analysis Of Social Theory Of Herbert Marcuse Essay2012 Words   |  9 PagesMicro and Macro Analysis in the Social Theory of Herbert Marcuse. The themes outlined in Herbert Marcuse’s Eros and Civilisation and One Dimensional Man have roots in both Marx’s political economic theory and Freud’s psychology. In explaining the existence of society, Marcuse shows how the motivations of the individual maintain the social world, but are also shaped by structural forces. Through an extension of Marx’s argument and the application of Freud’s psychology, Marcuse explains how the creationRead More Transcending Herbert Marcuse on Alienation, Art and the Humanities4411 Words   |  18 PagesTranscending Herbert Marcuse on Alienation, Art and the Humanities (1) ABSTRACT: This paper discusses how higher education can help us in accomplishing our humanization. It looks at the critical educational theory of Herbert Marcuse, and examines his notion of the dis-alienating power of the aesthetic imagination. In his view, aesthetic education can become the foundation of a re-humanizing critical theory. I question the epistemological underpinnings of Marcuses educational philosophy andRead MoreThe Theoretical Themes Of Herbert Marcuse s Eros And Civilisation Essay1976 Words   |  8 PagesThe theoretical themes of Herbert Marcuse’s Eros and Civilisation and One Dimensional Man have roots in both Marx and Freud’s theories. In explaining the existence of society, Marcuse shows how the motivations of the individual maintain the social world, but are shaped by structural forces. Through extension of Marx’s argument and the application of Freud’s psychology, Marcuse explains how the creation of the one-dimensional man maintai ns order and suppresses resistance. Yet, the revolution MarxRead More Marcuses Account of the Features and Significance of True and False N2620 Words   |  11 Pages nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Modern capitalist society is the target of severe criticism in Herbert Marcuses book, One-Dimensional Man. As one would hope, Marcuses intent is not merely to point out the shortcomings of the present system. He further hopes to encourage change in the most basic features of society, and with the intent to effect change arises the question of what goals the proposed change is directed towards. Primary among his goals is the quot;development and satisfaction of human