ABSTRACT
Science is largely defined in terms of its method, which might lead us to expect an emphasis on method by proponents of scientific Marxism in similar fashion to Lukács. However, it is Lukács who denies the scientific status of Marxism, and the scientific Marxists who pay little attention to method. Dialectics as a basic philosophical outlook points to three fundamental characteristics of the world: change, connection and contradiction. Any approach that neglects these categories will be incompatible with dialectics. Dialectical method at the level of procedure may be illustrated by the method of immanent critique. This procedure begins from within the subject matter. For example, Hegel is criticised initially on the basis of internal contradictions in his philosophy, which are irresolvable in the contest of his philosophical approach. Marx's comments on methodology and his own approach to the investigation of history and society may usefully be studied by historians and social scientists today.
