Question

What is spontaneous philosophy according to Gramsci? what role does spontaneous philosophy play in the shaping of the masses?

Answer 1

Gramsci, an Italian philosopher, and a great Marxist offered the theory of hegemony in his Prison Book which also known as spontaneous philosophy. According to his spontaneous theory, Hegemony can be introduced in culture life through media, religious institutions, and educational institutions. He further says that any ideology is not only the system of destroyed beliefs. Instead of this, it springs from the spontaneous philosophy, which contains common sense, own language and a system of beliefs.

He explained spontaneous philosophy helps in the shaping of the masses politically as well as culturally. He said that sometimes spontaneous philosophy may not be peaceful hence in order to control social conflicts, political hegemony a great role. It basically helps to keep the balance between social society and political society. His cultural hegemony theory explains the relationship between the dominant and culture under the colonial system.