Cohen's 7 theses, also known as the "Theses on Feuerbach," were a series of ideas put forth by Karl Marx's colleague and collaborator, Friedrich Engels, in his Introduction to the Critique of Hegel's Philosophy of Right. These theses were intended to provide a summary of Marx's own philosophical views, as well as a critique of the ideas of the German philosopher Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel.
The first thesis states that "the chief defect of all hitherto existing materialism... is that the thing, reality, sensuousness, is conceived only in the form of the object or of contemplation, but not as sensuous human activity, practice, not subjectively." In other words, previous materialist philosophers had focused solely on the object of study, rather than considering the subjective experience and agency of the individual engaging in the activity.
The second thesis asserts that "the question whether objective truth can be attributed to human thinking is not a question of theory but is a practical question." Engels argues that the truth or falsity of a concept is not simply a matter of abstract philosophical debate, but rather has practical consequences for human action.
The third thesis asserts that "in the materialist view of history, the ultimately determining element in history is the production and reproduction of real life." Engels argues that the economic and social relations of production, rather than ideas or ideologies, are the driving forces behind historical change.
The fourth thesis states that "the nature of individuals depends on the material conditions determining their production." In other words, the social and economic conditions in which people live and work shape their individual characteristics and behaviors.
The fifth thesis asserts that "the production of ideas, of conceptions, of consciousness, is at first directly interwoven with the material activity and the material intercourse of men." Engels argues that our thoughts and ideas are not simply abstract entities, but are shaped by and connected to the practical activities we engage in and the social interactions we have.
The sixth thesis states that "the classes and the class-struggle necessarily arise from the circumstances in which men produce and exchange their means of life." Engels argues that class divisions and conflict are inherent in any society based on the private ownership of the means of production.
The seventh and final thesis states that "the class-struggle necessarily leads to the dictatorship of the proletariat." Engels asserts that the struggle between the working class and the ruling class will eventually lead to the establishment of a socialist society in which the means of production are owned and controlled by the proletariat, or the working class.
In summary, Cohen's 7 theses outline Marx and Engels' materialist view of history and their belief that the economic and social relations of production are the driving forces behind historical change. They also argue that our thoughts and ideas are shaped by and connected to the practical activities we engage in and the social interactions we have, and that class divisions and conflict are inherent in any society based on the private ownership of the means of production. These ideas were influential in the development of Marxist theory and continue to be significant in the field of political and social thought.
