Comrade:Cassette/notes/Elementry principles of philosophy (Georges Politzer)

Part 1: The Philosophical Problem

Introduction

Dialectical Materialism

• Connects theory to practice

What is the method of analysis and reasoning that the worker activist needs?

• a method that never separates theory from practice, that takes into account facts and circumstances that are never the same.

What should we avoid

• Ready made solutions (dogma)

Why should we study philosophy

• We the worker activist need a method of analysis and reasoning that is just in order to carry out a just revolution

What is Philosophy

• Study of the most general problems

How does science differ

• How does science differ

Philosophies connection to science

• Extension of sciences; It’s based and depends on science

Materialism

• Is nothing other then the scientific explanation of the universe

What is the common confusion to which the word materialism gives rise?

• Thought to be one who only thinks of enjoying material pleasures. This is wrong. It does not prevent us from having an ideal and fighting to make it triumph

What is the relationship between materialism and Marxism?

• Marxism based on materialism; consequently stems from science, rests on them and evolves with them

What was the impact of Marx and Engels on materialism?

• updated ancient materialism and brought it into the age of modern science

What marxists take into account when looking at class struggle?

• Economic, political and ideological struggle.

Who will give the movement the best direction?

• The one who is able to fight on all these terrains

How important is the study of philosophy for the militant worker?

• In order to carry out a just revolution it is necessary

What more particular importance does the study of dialectical materialism have for them?

• It will allow them to solve all the problems and to unveil all the campaigns of falsification of marxism, which pretend to complete and renew it.

- Like the new left/dem socialists. All Marx but no bite

Bourgeoisie campaign of silence

• Separating Marxism from materialism. Marxism taught only as political doctrine and historical materialism spoken of without mentioning philosophy of materialism

Summary: The worker needs to practice dialectical materialism in order to connect theory to practice to carry out a just revolution. This method of analysis and reasoning can solve all problems and is the basis of Marxist philosophy. It wholly stems from and evolves with science.