Engel´s Dialectics of Nature as an attempt at Scientific Normalization: A kuhnian reading

Abstract

In this paper we study Engels’ ideas on dialectical materialism, from the perspective of Thomas Kuhn’s philosophy of science. We argue that Engels’ efforts, in works such as Anti-Düring or (even more so) in his Dialectics of Nature, are best understood as an attempt to crystalize a new scientific paradigm, in the sense that Kuhn (2000) gives to this last word. In order to do this, we start by identifying Marx’s previous statement regarding this topic. Then we present Kuhn’s concept of a “disciplinary matrix”. Thirdly, we apply the aforementioned concept to Engels’ work, identifying all the elements of the disciplinary matrix.