Lukács and the Revolutionary Realpolitik

Abstract

Realism is currently gaining significance in contemporary political philosophy. Realists believe that the norms and standards of political action cannot be derived (exclusively) from moral principles. Political action is guided by specifically non-moral or only partially moral norms. The political philosophy of Georg Lukács shows many similarities to contemporary Realism. In this paper, I examine the answers Lukács’s political philosophy gives to the central questions of Realism, particularly about the nature of political normativity. I argue that although these are among the strongest answers available, they ultimately fail to be satisfactory. I hope that this discussion sheds light on fundamental issues both in Lukács’s political philosophy and in contemporary Realism.