The Poverty of Philosophy

Methodology and Conclusions

In «The Poverty of Philosophy», Karl Marx applies dialectical materialism to critique Proudhon's economic theories. Marx uses a historical and materialist approach, analyzing economic categories as historically evolving and changing based on social conditions. He argues that economic relations are not eternal and unchanging but depend on specific historical conditions. Marx criticizes Proudhon for his metaphysical approach and attempt to present economic categories as eternal and unchanging. Marx's main conclusion is that economic categories and relations should be considered in the context of their historical development, rather than as abstract and immutable entities. He emphasizes the necessity of analyzing specific historical conditions to understand economic processes and criticizes utopian notions of changing society without altering its economic foundation.