in
logic, "dialectic" is the
action and reaction between opposites, out of which a new synthesis (
harmony of the two opposites) emerges. This was an idea originated by the
German philosopher Georg Wilhelm
Hegel (1770–1831). "
Materialism" is a
philosophy which maintains that there is nothing in the
universe but
matter, that
mind is a phenomenon of
matter and that there is no
ground for assuming a spiritual first
cause. "
Dialectical materialism" was an
adaption of these ideas by
German revolutionary leader and
founder of modern
socialism, Karl
Marx (1818–1883), into his own "
general laws of
motion which govern the
evolution of
nature and society." He held that a conflict of opposites in human society is the
evolutionary process by which a classless society would eventually be reached.
—SHSBC Binder 14 Approved Glossary, —SHSBC Binder 19 Approved Glossary, —SHSBC Binder 31 Approved Glossary, —SHSBC Binder 32 Approved Glossary, —Grad V Approved 1992 Glossary Upgrade, —3rd South African unpublished Appr GLS (19.3.92), —3rd South African published appr gls (14.4.92)