Marxism and Sociology

Abstract

The purpose of this book is to point out the principle of historical philosophy which is at the basis of Marxism, to subject it to a fresh analysis, not with a view to modifying it, but in order to make it clearer and more precise. The principle states that in the last analysis historical development depends upon economic causes. This is what has been called the dogma of economic materialism. As the book’s author believes that its best formulation is to be found in the Manifesto of the Communist Party, it is that document which serves as the theme of his study. This study comprises two parts: the first expounds the origin of the doctrine, the second consists of a commentary upon it. An appendix contains the translation of the manifesto.

Review of Antonio Labriola, ‘Essais sur la conception materialiste de l’histoire’, Revue philosophique, 44, 1897, pp. 645–51.