Systematic Reconstruction Of Ideology Summary

Shelby's goal in his paper is to provide a "systematic reconstruction of ideology" (Shelby, 154) by providing a clear definition of what an ideology is and why it is something we must critique (Shelby, 154). After clarification of terms and setting the criteria for an ideology, Shelby concludes that an ideology is a set of beliefs that is widely held under a false consciousness; is epistemically defective and distorted by illusion; and through illusions, it establishes or reinforces social relations of oppression (Shelby, 183-184).
Shelby builds off of Marx's vague definition of ideology. Marx's focus is on analyzing forms of ideological thought, rather than clearly defining what an ideology is (Shelby, 154-155). These particular forms of ideological

Moving forward, Shelby argues that his theory of ideology is one that is different from the historical use of the term “ideology”. The historical use of the term "ideology" is the nonevaluative use (Shelby, 156). This use of the term does not make any claims about epistemic defect and is morally neutral (Shelby, 156). That is, it does not contain any judgement and is mostly used for description (Shelby, 156). For example, historically, the term "ideology" is used more commonly to describe a set of political beliefs (Shelby, 156). Clearly, this is not what Shelby takes to be an ideology. Shelby's theory of ideology takes on the evaluative use of the term "ideology" (Shelby, 156). He argues that an ideology always suggests some kind of criticism as it implies that there is some characteristic within the set of beliefs that gives us reason to reject it (Shelby, 156-157). Furthermore, Shelby takes on the strong critical conception of ideology. That is, the claim that if we say something is ideological, then it gives us sufficient reason to reject it because the word "ideological" implies that there are flaws within the beliefs or system of thought and we must criticize it (Shelby,

How does an ideology reinforce systems of oppression? Shelby's answer to this is that because of its illusory nature and the fact the beliefs are widely held under a false consciousness, people do not know that the beliefs they are holding are ideological, therefore, existing systems of oppression remain or become stronger (Shelby, 174-175). When beliefs are held under a false consciousness, those who hold the beliefs are unaware of the real reason why they hold these beliefs, thus, it becomes illusory and ideological (Shelby, 170). Shelby does not say that ideologies are illusions because they are false, but rather, as true as they may be, the true motives behind the beliefs are unknown and are a misrepresentation of reality (Shelby, 170). Another way ideological illusions reinforce systems of oppressions is through reinforcing social relations of domination and social exploitation in society (Shelby, 181). Ideological illusions work to serve the dominant class because the dominant class are more readily and more motivated to accept ideological beliefs under a state of false consciousness because there is a strong desire to keep a positive self-conception (Shelby, 181-182). This is due to class-based motivations, as those in the upper class must maintain an image of themselves that is suitable for being in the upper class. For example, people of