Re: The 'formalising' of dialectics.

The question for me is what background do any of these characters have
that makes them experts on physics and the philosophy of science?
advanced degrees in physics, chemistry or biology?  peer reviewed
articles?  etc. etc.  It just seems that they are spouting forth their
own lay, albiet somewhat educated opinions in the manner of creation
science experts.  As far as "In Defense of Marxism", I recall that
excellent work which to my recollection dealt with the nature of the
Soviet Union, not vulgar expositions of philosophy.   It seems to me
that as is sometimes said about the law, these individuals "know just
enough to be dangerous" meaning to give a scientific rationalization
to their views that can sound somewhat convincing-and mystical-to the
uninitiated.

Engels and Trotsky were great political leaders, not scientists,
although they, particularly the latter, were influenced by Darwin and
developments in science which they sought to popularize and defend,
drawing certain inferences to social history from these conclusons.