Re: defining dialectics

["bob collins" <bob.collins@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

----- Original Message -----
From: <KDean75206@xxxxxxx>
To: <marxism@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Tuesday, October 19, 1999 12:19 AM
Subject: defining dialectics




> Comrades
>
> I've been looking for a good, yet simple definition of "dialectics" as
meant
> by Marx.  I was wondering if this definition was generally correct.  It's
> from American Heritage:

Not so dialectics is a much more dynamic process than just 2 opposing forces
clashing. what actually happens is that the thesis itself produces its
antithesis which opposes it. this is a vital aspect of dialectics where the
opposing force of a thesis ( dominant force ) comes from. for Marx the
antithesis is born immediately the thesis is formed. it is only then that a
struggle emerges between the two. As such a dialectic is not made up of a
primary and secondary aspect but in fact of dominant and subordinate forces.
the result of this is a new thesis or dominant force which then gives birth
to its antithesis. it is important here to note that the thesis always
brings about its own contradiction.

>
> Also, (and one can go into more detail here) what are the major
distinctions
> between Hegelian dialectics and Marxian?  Can someone give a simple
example
> of the dialectic process?

The major distinction between Marx and Hegel is primarily in their starting
point. for hegel this is in the world of ideas, the an idea forms its
opposing idea etc. For Marx such ideas are based in the real ( material )
world and that ideas are based within the economic forces of a society, i.e.
it conflicts that exist within the social formation of society. and......

> What is meant by "Historical Materialism"?
Read chapters 1 and 2 of German Ideology that gives a good starter to what
Marx means and also a good introduction into the difference between hegel's
dialectic and Marx's... namely where ideas spring from.