Dialectical Materialism

Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

English: /ˌdaɪ.əˈlɛk.tɪ.kəl məˈtɪə.ri.ə.lɪ.zəm/

Definitions

• A Marxist philosophical framework that views political and historical events as the result of conflicts driven by material forces and economic structures.
• A method of analysis based on the synthesis of dialectics (theory of contradiction) and materialism (the belief that material conditions determine human life).

Usage Examples

• "Dialectical materialism influenced the ideological foundations of many socialist movements."
• "Marx and Engels developed dialectical materialism to explain historical change through economic forces."

Etymology

Originating from the German dialektischer Materialismus, combining dialectic (from Greek dialektikē, meaning ‘discussion, debate’) and materialism (from Latin materialis, meaning ‘relating to matter’).

Synonyms

• Marxist philosophy
• Historical materialism
• Scientific socialism

Antonyms

• Idealism
• Metaphysical materialism
• Dualism

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

British English: /ˌdaɪ.əˈlɛk.tɪ.kəl məˈtɪə.ri.ə.lɪ.zəm/

American English: /ˌdaɪ.əˈlɛk.tɪ.kəl məˈtɪr.i.ə.lɪ.zəm/

Historical Usage

Dialectical materialism emerged in the 19th century as a core concept in Marxist theory, developed by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. It became the official philosophy of the Soviet Union and influenced socialist movements worldwide.

Cultural Nuances

In Western political philosophy, dialectical materialism is often debated in contrast to liberalism and capitalism. In socialist and communist ideologies, it serves as a theoretical foundation for economic and social policies.

More Information

Dialectical materialism continues to be studied in political science, philosophy, and sociology. While some view it as an essential tool for analyzing historical change, others critique it for its deterministic approach to social development.