Aleksandr Bogdanov and Lenin on “Things-In-Themselves”

Abstract Questions on the theory of cognition formed one focal points in dispute between orthodox Russian Marxists and Aleksandr Bogdanov his followers. was an adherent Mach’s theory, which abandoned Kant’s concept “things-in-themselves” ( Ding sich ) outside cognizing subject. According to Mach Bogdanov, there is no need duplicate human experience appearances given senses things behind these appearances. The Marxists, Lenin as well Plekhanov, insisted that things-in-themselves should be retained, but a modified form: do not form limit our knowledge, Kant (allegedly) thought, turn into “things-for-us” everyday processes material scientific production. Both solutions, Machian Marxist, have their problems. In Soviet era, depicted winner dispute. But closer examination Bogdanov’s arguments shows he actually found some weak Lenin’s conception. However, this does mean critique subjectivist groundless.