General Theory of Historical Materialism

Author: Lin Tai, Editor-in-Chief
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2001-01-01
Features: This book is one of the series textbooks for ideological and political education compiled by the Department of Social Sciences Research and Ideological and Political Work of the Ministry of Education. It incorporates the research achievements of historical materialism in the new era, focusing on the fundamental issues of historical perspective. The logical system is established based on the social structure system, social movement system, and social human system, conducting a comprehensive study of the elements of the social organism and their internal connections, the objective laws of social movement, and the historical role of individuals as historical subjects. In terms of writing methodology, it highlights the basic theories and concepts of historical materialism, emphasizing the distinction between historical materialism and idealism, especially their manifestations in the contemporary era. It also highlights the development of historical materialism in the contemporary context, particularly the contributions of Mao Zedong Thought and Deng Xiaoping Theory to historical materialism. For example, the contributions to the theory of fundamental social contradictions, the concept that "science and technology are productive forces," the theory of the primary stage of socialism and social formations, etc. It emphasizes the methodological significance of historical materialism, with each chapter dedicating a section to applying the basic theories of historical materialism to analyze real-world social contradictions and major social trends. For instance, using the principles of fundamental social contradictions to analyze the inevitability of socialist revolution in relatively underdeveloped countries; applying Marx's theory of human nature to analyze "individualism," "human nature is selfish," "humanistic historical perspective," and the social value and self-value of individuals. This writing methodology may be more helpful in improving people's ability to analyze problems using historical materialism. The book is suitable for readers who have a preliminary understanding of Marxist philosophy. It can serve as a textbook for postgraduate students and second-degree students in Marxist theory and ideological and political education, as well as for researchers and cadres in ideological and theoretical fields for study and reference.