The article is made up of two main discussions: In the first one, an outline of social determination of knowledge is given.
Hence, three approaches are put forward on the relation of society with knowledge. They are later explained by the components of determination. The two models of determination components are also elaborated on.
In the second discussion, Marx's epistemological views are in focus. They are (1) Marx,s philosophical approach to knowledge and (2) his social approach to knowledge. In the former, he gives precedence to object (matter) rather than to subject (mind); however, he does not move from ontology directly to epistemology, rather he enters in the realm of sociology. In his social approach, five basic issues are dealt with: (1) social being and awareness, (2) the base and superstructure, (3) the conflict of forces and the production relation, (4) the stratificational view, and (5) the ideology.
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