The point of change as interpretation : a large and iIronic caveat to thesis eleven

Abstract

Karl Marx did write, “The philosophers have only interpreted the world in various ways, the point is to change it,” which in this essay I interpret in the context of his normative thought about overcoming alienation. Reading “thesis eleven” in the light of that critical perspective, I maintain that two under-appreciated claims emerge: a central reason to pursue revolutionary change is so that more people have the freedom to engage in interpretation such as philosophy, and it is reasonable for many of us to do some mere interpretation now even if doing so will not foster the kind of change that is admittedly vital.