KARL MARX’S DIALECTICAL

MATERIALISM (1818-1883)
1. Dialectical Materialism:

• Material World reflected by human mind.

• Translated into thought (Legal)
 Basic Postulates of Dialectical Method of Marx
• Nature- part of integrated whole.
• Nature wise continuous movement and
change.
• Development process product of quantitative
advances.
• Culminate in qualitative changes.
• Contradictions inherent in Nature.
• Contradictions in human Society.
 Historical Materialism
• It is the theory of society and history.
• It is practical generalization from history.
• Laws observed in transformation of human
beings, institutions.
• To Marx, matter not product of mind.
• Mixed, advanced product of matter.
 2. Marx’s Economic interpretation of History:

• Historical processes determined by economic

processes.
• Infrastructure of society includes relations of
production.
• Legal and political institutions depends on
productive relations.
• Contradictions in productive relations.
• Contradictions lead to class struggle.
• It is main factor in historical evolution.
• Dialectics of forces and production relations
implies theory of revolution.
• Stages of human history distinguished by
economic mode of production.
 Historical Era
Marx classified historical development into
following Eras:

1. Primitive Age:
Primitive Communism based on equality.

2. Age of Slavery:
Society based on slavery
Slaves and Masters.
3. Age of feudalism:
Two conflicting classes-
Serfs and Lords.

4. Age of Capitalism:
Two classes-
Proletariat (Labour Class)
Bourgeoisie (Capitalist Class)
5. Age of Communism:
Classless social system.
Public ownership of means of production