Marxism and methodologies of history
In what follows, I try to develop and clarify the relationship between marxism, philosophy, and historiography. I discuss some key issues in historical materialism; the nature of historians' methodological presuppositions; and some historical debates wbich highlight theoretical problems. I argue that reflection of a philosophical kind is indispensible in history and social theory. However, it !s always difficult to strike the proper balance between general pronouncements and specific analysis. The difficulty enters historical research in questions about teleology 'ind reductionism, which I illustrate. Historical materialism is the tradition which most seriously confronts, and attempts to resolve, these problems. I support the contention that marxism can establish an integrated and synthetic account of the socio-historical world. While philosophy plays a central role here, I point out the problematical status of philosophy in marxism too. If marxist theory displays and requires premisses of an epistemologically 'realist' sort, it i~ also true t~lt marxism cannot carry a unique or elaborate philosophy. The elusive aspiration to provide an all-embracing world-view has resulted in a complicated combination of
McLennan, Gregor
Philosophy
Marxism and methodologies of history. In what follows, I try to develop and clarify the relationship between marxism, philosophy, and historiography. I discuss some key issues in historical materialism; the nature of historians' methodological presuppositions; and some historical debates wbich highlight theoretical problems. I argue that reflection of a philosophical kind is indispensible in history and social theory. However, it !s always difficult to strike the proper balance between general pronouncements and specific analysis. The difficulty enters historical research in questions about teleology 'ind reductionism, which I illustrate. Historical materialism is the tradition which most seriously confronts, and attempts to resolve, these problems. I support the contention that marxism can establish an integrated and synthetic account of the socio-historical world. While philosophy plays a central role here, I point out the problematical status of philosophy in marxism too. If marxist theory displays and requires premisses of an epistemologically 'realist' sort, it i~ also true t~lt marxism cannot carry a unique or elaborate philosophy. The elusive aspiration to provide an all-embracing world-view has resulted in a complicated combination of
marxism methodology history follow try develop clarify relationship marxism philosophy historiography discuss key_issue historical_materialism nature historian methodological presupposition historical_debate highlight theoretical_problem argue reflection philosophical kind history social_theory however always difficult strike proper balance general pronouncement specific analysis difficulty enters historical question reductionism illustrate historical_materialism tradition seriously confronts attempt_resolve problem support_contention marxism establish integrate synthetic account socio_historical world philosophy play_central_role point status philosophy marxism too marxist theory display require premiss epistemologically realist sort also true marxism carry unique elaborate philosophy elusive aspiration provide all world_view result combination