Subject Dimension of Marx's Historical Dialectics

Author: Zhang Yibing
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-05-01
Features: The theory identified in this book by Marx regarding the phenomenon of apparent naturalness and objectification in the development of human society at certain historical periods is an important aspect of the logical dimension of historical dialectics within the scientific worldview of Marxism. However, for a considerable period, this significant scientific critical discourse of Marx has been largely overlooked. Based on meticulous research into a vast array of classic literature, the author of this book re-proposes and affirms this crucial doctrine: the historical development of human society is not always a natural historical process. Only at specific levels of the functional capacity of human social practice does the development of social history exhibit phenomena similar to the blind movement of nature. During this particular historical period, human subjects become slaves to external forces (the objectified world of nature and humanity), and the development of social history is externalized as a "subjectless process" resembling natural historical movement. This specific social historical apparent naturalness and objectification is not an eternal natural law. As human social practice progresses, humanity will ultimately transcend this historical state of existence, moving from the prehistoric period of human social development to an era of comprehensive liberation and freedom. The author also discusses the modern significance of Marx's doctrine from the theoretical perspectives of contemporary intellectual history and the view of natural sciences, particularly by integrating China's socialist reality. This book presents original and profound ideas, excelling in aspects such as intellectual creativity and textual interaction, historical critique and argumentation, logical depth and vivid simplicity, as well as theoretical discussion and reflection on reality. It stands out as a rare and innovative work in the recent study of fundamental Marxist theory.