Definition

1. Noun:
   • A philosophical framework: "dialectical materialism" is a philosophical system that applies the principles of dialectics (the study of opposites and their resolution) to a materialist understanding of reality. It posits that all phenomena, including social structures and human thought, arise from and can be explained by material conditions and economic relationships.
   • The theoretical foundation of Marxism: It is the philosophical basis developed by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, asserting that history progresses through class struggle driven by contradictions in the material, economic base of society.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The professor explained that dialectical materialism views history as a series of conflicts between economic classes.
  • His analysis of the social revolution was grounded in the principles of dialectical materialism.

Advanced Usage

• "the laws of dialectical materialism": Refers to the core principles, such as the unity and conflict of opposites, the transformation of quantity into quality, and the negation of the negation.
  • The essay explored how the laws of dialectical materialism could be applied to scientific development.

Variants and Related Words

• Dialectical (adj): Relating to the logical discussion of opposing ideas; of or pertaining to dialectics.
  • Their debate took a dialectical form, with thesis and antithesis.
• Historical materialism (n): Often used synonymously or as a specific application of dialectical materialism to the interpretation of historical development.
  • Historical materialism focuses on the economic determinants of social change.

Synonyms

• Marxist philosophy: The body of philosophical thought originating from the works of Karl Marx.
• Materialist dialectics: Another term emphasizing the dialectical method within a materialist framework.

Related Phrases

• "a dialectical materialist analysis": An examination of a subject using the methods and assumptions of dialectical materialism.
  • The book offers a dialectical materialist analysis of contemporary culture.

Related Concepts

• Base and superstructure: A key concept within dialectical materialism where the economic base of society determines its cultural, political, and ideological superstructure.
• Class struggle: The conflict between social classes with opposing interests, seen as the engine of historical change in dialectical materialism.

Noun

1. the materialistic philosophy of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels