What is the meaning of dialectical materialism?
short version: A simple definition of Marx's concept
of dialectical materialism is a view of history as determined by the struggle
between economic forces. In "dialectical" Marx means to see history as
progressing through conflict between opposing forces. In "materialism"
Marx holds that it is the material factors of human reality are the field in
which these shaping conflicts take place (as opposed to the field of thought,
as Hegel would argue in his dialectical idealism).
And now for a more elaborate
definition and explanation of the meaning of Marx's dialectical materialism:
Explained simply, dialectical
materialism (sometimes called "historical materialism" or Materialist Theory of History) is an evolutionary concept
which accounts for the dynamic, ever evolving process of history. The idea of
dialectics says that history progresses through struggles between a thesis and
an antithesis which eventually lead to a synthesis that will in turn become a
thesis, yielding an opposing antithesis and so forth. Hegel, who made
dialectics famous, thought that this progression occurs between conflicting
ideas, and that philosophy is in fact what drives history forward. Marx accepted Hegel's dialectics but rejected his idealism, arguing
that it is material aspects of humanity which account for every turn in
history. The conflicts that make up the dialectical process are not between
ideas but between material economic interests, especially Class Conflict.
Marx demonstrates his dialectical
materialism on history, trying to account for historical events and processes
as explained by a struggle between different classes on resources and means of production.
If you want a less simplified
definition and explanation of Marx's dialectical materialism you can go to our
summaries of Marx's German Ideology or The Communist Manifesto. If you want an
even broader definition try A
Very Short introduction to Marx or go for the real thing with Marx's
selected writings.
see also: Cultural Materisalism
Here you can find additional
summaries and explanations about Karl Marx's theory:
Summary of The Communist Manifesto by Marx and Engels
Ideology according to Marx – definition and explanation
Ideology according to Marx – definition and explanation
Marx's Perception of History in The German Ideology: dialectics and capitalism
Marx's The German Ideology: Alienation and Ideology – summary and analysis
Marx's The German Ideology: Alienation and Ideology – summary and analysis
