I don’t know what that phrase is.
I just looked it up and read up on it and I still don’t know what that phrase is.
Matter exists and we’re made of matter and we behave as if matter exists and that we’re made of matter? As opposed to what??
As opposed to Minds existing independently of your body. Some people believe in the existance of eternal souls and gods that do not need a body to exist. Materialism is the belief that reality is based on Matter, and that our minds exist as a consequence of the existance of our bodies.
Dialectical materialism then looks at the world and society as beeing subject to constant change, in contrast to only having recurring patterns.
At least that is my understanding, I’m also no expert.
Edit: I read about this in the “philosophy” section of this book list by @Cowbee@lemmy.ml
Dialects explains that the world is full of contradictions and opposing forces. When these opposing forces come together, they can form a new thing. An easy example is to look at multiple opposing news sources to piece together the entire truth of an event.
Dialectical materialism is Marx’s concept that contradictions in material conditions of life are what drive historical change. Primarily that the economic base (economic classes, resources, working conditions) is what shapes the superstructure of society (laws, politics, culture.)
Yeah well and ideas occur to you after you’ve experienced something and by proxy that is one reason why people will always put their own basic needs above some abstract idea of a better world and everything. As opposed to “just think about a better world and talk about it and people will believe in it and fight for it”. Which doesn’t work, in case that’s news to anyone. Although in the 1840s, it really was.