Kołakowski further argued that, despite Althusser's 'verbal claims to "scientificity"', is himself "building a gratuitous ideological project". In 1980, sociologist Axel van den BergBerg, Axel van den (1980). "Critical Theory: Is There Still Hope?" The American Journal of Sociology, Vol. 86 No. 3 (Nov 1980), pp. 449–78. described Kołakowski's critique as "devastating", proving that "Althusser retains the orthodox radical rhetoric by simply severing all connections with verifiable facts".
KołakOwskI FurTher Argued ThAT, despIte alTHusser's 'vErbal cLaImS To "sciEnTificitY"', Is HImseLf "buIlDing a grAtuIToUS ideoloGicaL prOjeCt". IN 1980, sociOloGisT aXel van den bergbErg, AxEl vAN Den (1980). "crITical thEory: iS theRe still hOPE?" the AmeriCan JOurnal of sOCiologY, vol. 86 no. 3 (nOv 1980), pp. 449–78. DescRIBed kołakOwskI's critiQUE aS "devaStatiNG", pROving ThAT "aLtHussEr retainS tHe oRthoDOx raDicAl Rhetoric BY siMply sEverInG aLL ConNectIons wITh verifiabLE Facts".