Science is Science of Ideology in Louis Althusser

Abstract

25 years after his death, Louis Althusser’s writings continue to stir up controversy. This article analyzes an issue that aroused criticism during the 1960s, an extremely polemical moment within his intellectual production: the relation between science and ideology. Is it plain opposition? Are science and ideology two clearly differentiated structures? Does science mean the end of ideology? Does science represent the truth and ideology a mere error? The article thoroughly studies Althusser’s publications during the period of the 1960s in order to shed light on his thinking regarding this topic.