Final answer:
Productive forces and production relations are interconnected elements within Marxist theory that are in a dialectical relationship, reflecting both opposition and dependence. The unity between these forces is temporary and the struggle between them drives systemic change and development.
Step-by-step explanation:
Productive forces and production relations are two interrelated aspects within a productive system. In Marxist theory, the productive forces refer to the means of production such as the labor, technology, and raw materials used in production. Production relations, on the other hand, pertain to the social and economic relationships between those involved in the production process, including the class relations between owners and workers. In the context of Marxist dialectics, these two are considered to be in a dialectical relationship, meaning they both oppose and depend on each other. The contradiction between them arises because the productive forces tend to develop and change faster than the established production relations, which can become a fetter to further development of the productive forces until a revolutionary change realigns them. Thus, they are not exactly opposite sides of a contradiction, but rather interconnected elements within the dynamic process of economic development. The unity of opposites, such as productive forces and production relations, is viewed as temporary in dialectical materialism because it reflects a transient state within a process of continuous change. The struggle between opposing forces, or the 'absolute' aspect, drives the transformation and development of a system. Change is the only constant, and contradictions are seen as the primary cause of progress and evolution in society.