1st Edition

Revival: Marx, Methodology and Science (2001) Marx's Science of Politics

By David M. Walker Copyright 2001
    206 Pages
    by Routledge

    206 Pages
    by Routledge

    This title was first published in 2001. The book aims to give a clear and accessible account of Marx’s method and an assessment of its scientific validity and relevance to contemporary social science; The key methodological themes of Marx’s work and their development are shown with particular attention paid to the elements of dialectics and materialism; Four models of science are outlined-positivism; critical rationalism; scientific conventionalism; scientific realism - and the arguments and evidence both for and against Marx’s method corresponding to any of them examined. The conclusion arrived at is that Marx’s method is a good example of social scientific practice according to the scientific realist model and that it has a positive contribution to make to social science today.realism.

    Contents: Introduction; Method in the early Marx; Method in the later Marx; Marx and materialism; Marx and dialectics; Conceptions of science; Marx and science; Conclusion; Bibliography.

    Biography

    David M. Walker

    ’With admirable lucidity and conciseness, Walker dissects Marx’s method and argues convincingly for its basis in scientific realism. His book is the best introduction I know to these fundamental questions.’ Professor David McLellan, University of Kent at Canterbury, UK