Italian Marxist philosopher Antonio Negri passed away at the age of 90, according to a tweet by Doug Latimer (@aspiringmensch). The news was shared via Democracy Now’s Twitter account (@democracynow) on December 19, 2023.
Antonio Negri was a prominent figure in the field of Marxist philosophy, known for his contributions to the theory of postmodern Marxism. His work explored topics such as globalization, capitalism, and the dynamics of power in contemporary society.
Born in 1933 in Padua, Italy, Negri grew up during a time of political and social upheaval. He became politically active in his youth and joined various left-wing movements. Negri’s activism led him to become a prominent member of the Worker’s Power movement, advocating for workers’ rights and social justice.
Negri’s intellectual journey began in the 1960s when he started teaching philosophy at the University of Padua. During this time, he developed his ideas on Marxism and engaged in discussions with other influential philosophers and thinkers of the era. One of his notable collaborations was with French philosopher Gilles Deleuze, with whom he co-authored the book “Anti-Oedipus” in 1972.
In the late 1970s, Negri became involved in political activism and was a founding member of the Potere Operaio (Workers’ Power) organization. However, his involvement in radical left-wing politics led to conflict with the Italian government, and he was arrested in 1979. Negri was accused of being the mastermind behind the Red Brigades, a left-wing extremist group responsible for multiple acts of terrorism in Italy. He was eventually acquitted of these charges in 1997.
During his time in prison, Negri continued to write and publish influential works, including his most famous book, “Empire,” co-authored with Michael Hardt. Published in 2000, “Empire” examined the emergence of a new global order and the ways in which power operates in the modern world. The book gained widespread attention and solidified Negri’s status as a leading Marxist thinker.
Negri’s ideas have had a significant impact on various fields, including political theory, sociology, and cultural studies. His concepts of “immaterial labor” and “multitude” have been particularly influential in understanding the changing nature of work and social movements in the digital age.
Throughout his career, Negri remained a controversial figure, attracting both admiration and criticism. Some praised his innovative thinking and his ability to connect Marxist theory with contemporary issues, while others accused him of promoting violence and radicalism. Despite the controversies surrounding his work, Negri’s contributions to Marxist philosophy and his relentless pursuit of social justice have left a lasting legacy.
The passing of Antonio Negri marks the end of an era in the field of Marxist philosophy. His ideas and writings will continue to inspire future generations of scholars and activists, ensuring that his intellectual legacy lives on..
Source : @aspiringmensch
Italian Marxist Philosopher Antonio Negri Dies at 90 https://t.co/zdodf3BJb8 via @democracynow
— Doug Latimer (@aspiringmensch) December 19, 2023