THE ABSOLUTISM OF MARX AND ITS CONSEQUENCES: FOCUS ON KARL POPPER’S CRITIQUE OF MARX

Abstract

Marx’s works have left enormous influence on Western thought. Social change is the main concern of his thought. He views social change as a dialectical process which ultimately leads to absolute social order. For Marx the dialectic of material forces is central in the process of social generation that eventually leads to ‘socialism’. Marx thinks that individuals have their identity because of some kind of collectivity. Each historical stage furnishes individual with a fixed identity and corresponding role. Karl Popper, who is one of the most renowned critics of Marx, critically examines Marx’s work. He is of the view that Marx’s thought embraces historicism and holism which cannot be rationally justifiable. Popper points out the irrational consequences of Marx’s absolutism. This paper attempts to highlight the absolutistic trend lying deep in Marx’s thought and then focuses on Popper’s critique of Marx’s absolutism.