ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses some of the important ways in which Karl Marx modified the traditional theories of truth, and outlines the basic features of his own. Marx held that the objective truth was the highest ideal of theoretical knowledge and that, although difficult, it was not impossible to attain in a class-divided society. Marx locates the concept of truth within the larger context of human existence. A social theorist aims to discover the inner nature and absolute limits of a social structure or mode of capitalist production. In Marx's view a theory should not only be true, but also give 'theoretical satisfaction'. A theory is an intellectual product; and as of any other product. For Marx, then, a scientific theory should be judged by three criteria: its explanatory power or truth, the principle of critical coherence, and its logical structure. A theory that meets all three is the most satisfactory, and deserves acceptance.
