"Dialectical materialism" is a term often used in discussions of Marxist philosophy. It is spelled using the IPA phonetic transcription system as /daɪəˈlɛktɪkəl məˈtɪərɪəlɪzəm/. The first syllable is pronounced like "die," the second syllable has the short "e" sound as in "pet," and the third syllable has the schwa sound like a weak "uh." The second word has the stress on the second syllable, with the "a" pronounced as a short "a" sound. The final syllable has the "ism" suffix, with the stress on the third syllable.
Dialectical materialism refers to a philosophical framework influenced by the theories of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, which seeks to understand and explain social and historical phenomena through the lens of material conditions and interactions. It combines two key concepts: dialectics and materialism.
Dialectics, in this context, refers to the process of understanding reality as a result of contradictions and conflicts. It recognizes that change occurs through the clash of opposing forces, where contradictions arise within a given system or society. These contradictions eventually lead to a transformation of the existing order and the emergence of a new one.
Materialism, on the other hand, emphasizes the primacy of the material world and its impact on human existence. It asserts that societal structures, cultural practices, and individual behavior are shaped by material conditions such as economic relations, class struggles, and the mode of production. This view rejects idealism, which prioritizes ideas and consciousness as the driving force behind social change.
Thus, dialectical materialism seeks to analyze the historical development of society, capitalism, and class struggle in particular, by investigating the material conditions and contradictions that shape them. It provides a theoretical framework for understanding the dynamics of social change, economic inequality, and the exploitation of labor within a capitalist system. Dialectical materialism is fundamental to Marxist theory and its application in the analysis of politics, economics, and social transformation.
The term "dialectical materialism" is composed of two main components: "dialectical" and "materialism".
1. Dialectical: The word "dialectical" originates from the Greek word "dialektikos", which means "of dialogue" or "relating to discussion". It is derived from the Greek word "dialegesthai", meaning "to converse", and in turn, from the verb "legein", which means "to speak". The term "dialectical" is often associated with the philosophical method developed by ancient Greek philosopher Socrates, known as the Socratic method, which involved questioning and dialogue to arrive at truth.
2. Materialism: The term "materialism" is derived from the Latin word "materia", which means "substance" or "matter".