Metabolism with nature

Abstract

Among those authors who write about environmental issues, it is common to refer to Marxism as a theory and philosophy that have nothing to contribute to this discussion. Marxism is seen by them as productivist, anthropocentric and uninterested in the value that nature may present. However, this is a mistaken view. In 1999, two books were published in the United States that demonstrate the error of such a view, and that place the Marxist method and theory in its proper place in relation to environmental issues. These are Paul Burkett's books, Marx and nature. A red and green perspective, which basically deals with Marx’s economic theory in relation to nature, and John Bellamy Foster’s book, Marx’s ecology. Materialism and nature, a study of the philosophical roots and method of historical materialism in relation to nature. These works are complementary, as will be made clear later.