The Value of Time in Martin Hägglund’s Discourse on Secular Faith and Spiritual Freedom

Time is central to Martin Hägglund’s discussion of secular faith and spiritual freedom. Hägglund adopted the notion of disposable time from Karl Marx’s Grundrisse and reframed it as the more descriptive socially available free time. Following Marx, Hägglund advocates the revaluation of values so that socially available free time would become the measure of value rather than socially necessary labour time.

A close examination of the origin of Marx’s analysis of disposable time suggests that questions of faith and freedom were inherent in the concept as it was expressed in the 1821 pamphlet, The Source and Remedy of the National Difficulties. Marx’s innovation was to show that the creation of disposable time is the basis of all wealth. Under capitalism, disposable time is expropriated in the form of surplus labour time.

FAQs

1. What is disposable time?

Disposable time is the time available to individuals for activities other than necessary labor, such as leisure or personal pursuits.

2. How does Martin Hägglund reframe the concept of disposable time?

Martin Hägglund reframes disposable time as socially available free time, emphasizing its importance in valuing relationships and personal freedoms.

3. What is the significance of socially available free time?

Socially available free time, according to Hägglund, should be the measure of value in society, rather than socially necessary labour time, to prioritize individuals’ autonomy and well-being.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Martin Hägglund’s exploration of time as a foundational element in our lives and the relationship between wealth, value, and freedom offers a thought-provoking perspective on how we perceive and utilize our time in a capitalist society. By rethinking the value of socially available free time, Hägglund encourages us to reconsider our priorities and challenge the status quo to prioritize individual agency and fulfillment.