Envisioning Capitalism: Geography and the Renewal of Marxian Political Economy

Abstract

INFORMATION TO USERSThis manuscript has been reproduced from the microfilm master. UMI films the text directly from the original or copy submitted. Thus, some thesis and dissertation copies are in typewriter face, mile others may be from any type of cornputer printer.The quality of this reproduction is dependent upon the quality of the copy submitted. Broken or indistinct pnnt, colored or poor quality illustrations and photographs, print bleedthrough, substandard margins, and improper alignment can adversely affect reproduction.In the unlikely event that the author did not send UMI a complete manuscript and thnre SE misshg psges, these un:!! h e note. C-SQ, if unauthorked copyright material had to be removed, a note will indicate the deletion.Oversize materials (e.g., maps, drawings, charts) are reproduoed by sectioning the original, beginning at the upper left-hand corner and continuing from left to right in equal sections with small overlaps. Each original is also photographed in one exposure and is induded in reduced form at the back of the book.Photographs induded in the original manuscript have been reproduced xerographically in this copy. Higher quality 6" x 9" black and white photographie prints are available for any photographs or illustrations appearing in this copy for an additional charge. Contact Postone (1996: 1) calls "the fundamental core of capitalismy', the thesis puis this reinterpretation of the explanatorydiagnostic basis of Marx's critique to work on three major thernes of historicalgeographical matenalism: the production of space, the production of nature and the production of subjectivity. It does so in order to illustrate the explanatory power, thematic reach and theoretical coherence of this reinterpretation, as well as its relevance to the late capitalist world. In closhg, the normative or anticipatory-utopian basis of this reinterpreted historical-geographical materialism is considered and its political implications for today thereby scrutinised. If it is today considered rather Utlfashionable to express a continued interest in M h a n . . political-economy, then 1 have many people to thank for sustauiing and encouraging my critical inquiries. Although we have rather different views on the limits and possibilities of Mdsm(s), my greatest vote of thanks must go to Derek Gregory. His intluence has, quite simply, been inestimable. In ways that 1 hope he will recognise, his own thinking and wrïting has palpably shaped the arguments I develop here. Additionally, the rare fteedom he has granted me as a PhD student has allowed me to came out rny own inteilectual path and for that I am deeply grateful. If Derek's influence has been crucial, then so too has that of Trevor Bames. A devotee of political-economy, Trevor's published works, his continuhg support -despite his preference for SrafEa over Marx (!) University did so financially and I want to take this opportunity to express my enormous gratitude to UBC for providing me with five years of support, three years in the foxm of Grad...

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