Marxist Philosophy vs. Idealism: Understanding the Core Differences
Marxist Philosophy vs. Idealism
Understanding the Core Differences
According to Marx’s theory, the basic problem of philosophy is the contradiction between two opposing philosophies: materialism and idealism.
Materialism
Materialism asserts that reality can be explained in terms of matter and from itself, without recourse to principles such as “God” or “the Absolute.” It further states that mental life is a highly complex form of matter. Materialism can be of two types:
- Metaphysical or contemplative (Feuerbach, Democritus, Epicurus)
- Historical materialism (Marx and Engels)
Idealism
Against materialism is idealism, which asserts that reality can be explained from the consciousness that produces the subject. Idealists also claim that reality can be explained from an external principle, such as the Absolute (Hegel) or the idea of goodness (Plato, etc.).
Idealism begins with Descartes, continues with Kant, and is consummated with Hegel. Hegel develops a theory about reality as a unit, interpreting human history and the world as a dialectical evolution of the mind (reason) and its various manifestations: religion, art, philosophy, etc. Hegelian idealism asserts an ontological thesis (reality is reason, idea, spirit) and an epistemological thesis (the idea or spirit is the origin of different forms of reality).
Marx’s Critique of Hegel
The main criticism Marx makes of Hegel concerns the concept of reality. Hegel’s phrase, “all that is real is rational, and all that is rational is real,” shows the ambiguity of Hegelian philosophy.
- On one hand, this phrase could be understood in a dogmatic and reactionary sense: Hegel would thus say that reality is rational, and therefore the idea is the essence of it.
- On the other hand, it could be interpreted with a critical and revolutionary sense.
The so-called Hegelian left paid more attention to the revolutionary germ content in Hegel’s philosophy, having a more dialectical vision. Within the Hegelian left, we find thinkers like Bruno Bauer and Feuerbach, primarily concerned with the criticism of religion and theology. On the other side, the Hegelian right influenced the system (justification of authoritarianism and religion).
Specific Points of Critique
- Regarding the nature or essence of man: For Hegel, it is reason. But Marx and Engels define human essence as occurring at work.
- Regarding history: Hegel interprets it as governed by the spirit, which is the subject of history. For Marx, history would become the “action” of imaginary subjects. However, the motor of history for Marx is the struggle between the forces of production and relations of production, i.e., the class struggle.
- Regarding reality: For Hegel, the social and political structure and the life of man are fully rational, i.e., Reason or Truth coincide with the social order of the day. But for Marx, the proletariat’s existence contradicts the supposed reality of reason.
- Regarding philosophy: For Hegel, philosophy and wisdom consist of mere theory or speculation, a form of ideology in the form of speech that serves the various ideologies that shape the social order. Marx suggests overcoming idealism and trying to show that knowledge is not just theory but practice.
Marx’s Acknowledgments of Hegel
Despite his critiques, Marx acknowledges certain aspects of Hegel’s philosophy:
- A radically historical philosophy whose main vector is teleological.
- The dialectic as a process of history and a method of knowing. However, Marx argues against absolute idealism, stating that the material conditions of existence determine thought.
- The concept and sense of alienation.