Dialectical theory and the study of HIV/AIDS and other epidemics

Abstract

Epidemics have been important in human history. This article discusses epidemics as part of a metabolic dialectics of humanity within nature. The creative thoughts and actions of those people most threatened by HIV/AIDS, and the thoughts and actions of science, have shaped both each other and the virus. The virus has reacted through mutation in ways that mimic strategic intelligence. The dialectics of capital and states has shaped these interactions and, in some cases, been shaped by them. Practical action to minimize the harms epidemics do can be strengthened by understanding of these epidemics, and Marxist theory and practices can be strengthened by understanding the dialectics of public health and the struggles around it more fully.

Keywords: AIDS; Dialectics; Epidemics; HIV; Infectious diseases; Nature; Social.

Fig. 1

Levels of analysis interact dialectically

Fig. 2

A model of structures, risk, and HIV: But should it be approached with a “billiard ball” model or an “interpenetrating others” model? (An earlier version of this figure appeared in the study Friedman and Reid (2002))

Fig. 3

History of the HIV epidemic among injection drug users in New York City and of the response by injectors, medicine, and public health. Adapted and updated from figure in the study by Friedman et al. (2007)