“Natural science will in time incorporate into itself the science of man, just as the science of man will incorporate into itself natural science: there will be one science.”
- May 5, 1818 – March 14, 1883
- Born in the Kingdom of Prussia (Germany)
- Philosopher, economist, political thinker
- Wrote Das Kapital and laid the foundations for socialist and communist thought
Quote
“Natural science will in time incorporate into itself the science of man, just as the science of man will incorporate into itself natural science: there will be one science.”
Explanation
In this quote, Marx is envisioning a future where the disciplines of natural science and social science (the science of man) will merge, forming a unified approach to understanding both the natural world and human society. Marx believed that the divisions between these fields were artificial and that the study of humanity could not be separated from the study of nature. As scientific knowledge progresses, the methods and findings of the natural sciences would be integrated with the insights from human-centered fields like sociology, psychology, and economics. The goal is to create a comprehensive framework that addresses both the material conditions of nature and the social and psychological conditions of human life.
Historically, Marx’s vision reflects his belief in the interconnectedness of nature and society. In his time, the study of human beings and societies was often viewed separately from the study of the physical world, but Marx saw both as deeply interconnected. For example, he believed that economic systems (which are a product of human social organization) are shaped by and also shape the material world, such as through the exploitation of natural resources or the division of labor. Marx’s approach, known as dialectical materialism, emphasizes that human society is both influenced by and influences the natural world, and the two must be studied in conjunction to understand the full scope of human existence.
In modern times, Marx’s idea resonates with the ongoing efforts to integrate various scientific disciplines. For example, biopsychology and neuroscience attempt to bridge the gap between the biological and social aspects of human behavior. Similarly, fields like environmental sociology or ecological economics aim to connect human society’s economic activities with the environmental impact they have, demonstrating the inseparable nature of human society and the natural world. Today’s interdisciplinary approaches, such as climate science that incorporates both natural science and human behavior, align with Marx’s vision of an integrated science that transcends the divide between the social and natural realms.
