Abstract
This paper intends to methodologically relate Walter Benjamin's approach to cities with his theory as a whole, as well as the possible implications for present investigations of urban space in capitalism. If in Benjamin's studies the city was the tangible of modern capitalist changes, in the 21st century it reveals memories of struggles of the 20th century and the deepening of the dynamics of profit generation under neoliberalism. In the introduction, the problem that text adresses is presented. The first part of the study brings together the categories worked by the philosopher in texts about cities, such as traces, traces and memories, which have the potential to reveal insurgent narratives. What is Benjamin's methodology for treating the urban? This is the fundamental question. The second part articulates conceptualizations with aspects of Benjamin's work that are commonly analyzed in a section on his work on Paris, for example - his theory of progress, his theory of knowledge. The third part presents possibilities for the application of the Benjaminian methodology in the analysis of capitalism in the periphery of the 21st century, especially in Rio de Janeiro. In the final considerations, the author's work is evaluated in relation to its relevance for studies of criticism of current capitalism.
Keywords:
City; Walter Benjamin; Capitalism critics