Popper's critique of Marx

Conclusions

In this paper I have not argued in support of a Marxist science of history. In fact, I do not believe Marx claimed to have developed a science of history, though this has not been argued here. My aim has been solely to provide an examination of Popper's critique of Marx. I believe I have shown that:

• 1. Even if one accepts Popper's critique of Marx, most of Marx's economics remain immune from this criticism.

• 2. Marx did not hold many of the tenets of historicism.

• 3. Popper has failed to show that there cannot be laws of social development.

• 4. Popper has failed to show that we cannot know laws of social development.

• 5. Marx does not confuse trends and laws in the way that Popper suggests and makes basic to this critique of historicism.