POL 315
THEORY AND PRACTICE OF MARXISM
conflict and radical change. To the Marxists, the material life derives
from the world of nature.
Thus, in its law governing conception of nature and its essence, its
outlook of the world is dialectical- that is, something dynamic,
constantly in motion and changing. Changes take place in definite
patterns in a continuous motion and through conflicting or opposing
tendencies in every process in nature and in society. Marxist theory,
essentially, sees the world as an objective reality flowing from the
productive forces and the relations of production.
SELF-ASSESSMENT EXERCISE
i. Explain the concept of historical materialism as the philosophical
basis of Marxism.
ii. Evaluate the peculiarity of materialism to Marxism.
6.0 TUTOR-MARKED ASSIGNMENT
1. How relevant is historical materialism in understanding the
contemporary capitalist society.
2. Evaluate Marx’s position on materialism as the only variable
propelling change in society.
7.0 REFERENCES/FURTHER READING
Arrighi,G.(1957).The Geometry of Imperialism. London.
Chaturvedi, A.K. (2006). Dictionary of Political Science. New Delhi:
Academic Publisher.
Lenin, V.I. (1974). Karl Marx: A Brief Biographical Sketch with an
Exposition of Marxim. Peking: Foreign Languages Press.
Michael, E. (1975). Karl Marx. London.
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