UPSC Prelims 2011 · Question 96 of 100
UPSC Prelims 2011 question on Dialectical Materialism
Karl Marx explained the process of class struggle with the help of which one of the following theories?
Show answer
Answer: D. Dialectical materialism
Verdict
Correct Answer: Dialectical Materialism
Analysis
Karl Marx explained class struggle through Dialectical Materialism. It argues that history moves through conflicts arising from material and economic conditions.
1. Dialectical Materialism — Correct
Marx believed that social change happens through contradictions between opposing classes.
In capitalism, this conflict is between the bourgeoisie, who own the means of production, and the proletariat, who sell their labour.
2. Empirical Liberalism — Incorrect
Liberalism emphasises individual freedom, private property and limited state control.
Marx criticised these ideas because he believed private ownership creates class exploitation.
3. Existentialism — Incorrect
Existentialism focuses on individual freedom, choice and meaning of life.
It is not Marx’s explanation of class struggle and became prominent mainly in the 20th century.
4. Darwin’s Theory of Evolution — Incorrect
Darwin explained biological evolution through natural selection.
Marx explained social change through economic conflict, not biological evolution.
Extra UPSC info
* Dialectics means progress through conflict between opposing forces.
* Materialism means material and economic conditions shape society.
* Historical Materialism is the application of Dialectical Materialism to history.
* Marx identified major class conflicts: master vs slave, lord vs serf, and bourgeoisie vs proletariat.
* Means of production include land, factories, tools, machines and capital.
* Marx believed communism would end class divisions.
How to crack it
Marx used Dialectical Materialism to explain class struggle as a conflict rooted in economic ownership and material conditions.