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How is dialectical materialism different from historical materialism?

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Bronze bust of Epicurus with a full beard and draped clothing, displayed on a round inscribed base at the National Archaeological Museum of Naples. — Materialism Epicurus, bronze bust from a Greek original, c. 280–270 bce; in the Museo Archeologico Nazionale, Naples.

While dialectical materialism and historical materialism are closely related, they serve different functions within the philosophy of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels.12

Dialectical Materialism
This is a general philosophical approach to reality. It posits that the material world has an objective existence independent of the mind and that all things develop through material contradictions. It serves as a theoretical basis for a method of reasoning, emphasizing that change is inherent in nature and that knowledge is derived from practical interaction with the material world.13

Historical Materialism
This is the application of the logic of dialectical materialism specifically to human history and society. It holds that the economic structure—or "mode of production"—forms the base of society, while social institutions like government and religion act as a superstructure. According to this theory, social and political change occurs when these institutions no longer align with the evolving economic base, making economic activity the "motor of history".24

In short, dialectical materialism provides the underlying philosophical framework, while historical materialism applies that framework to interpret the development of human civilization.12