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In the four volumes of The Development Trajectory of Eastern Societies and the Theories and Practices of Socialism, the author re-examines Marx and Engels' theories on the development trajectory of Eastern societies by integrating theoretical analysis of Marxist theories and a historical investigation of socialist revolution and socialist construction around the world.
This second volume focuses on Marx and Engels' historical materialism, explains the general laws of historical development, and brings this to bear within the context of Eastern societies. The author notes that Marx and Engels' historical materialism and its derivative theories on Eastern societies are compatible and interconnected. In addition, he reveals how Marx and Engels' theory of the "Asiatic mode of production" plays an important part in the development trajectory of Eastern societies, and is closely related to their theory of "five social forms."
This volume is a key reference for readers who study and are interested in Marxism, Marxist philosophy, and the history of philosophy.
List of contents
1. Debating the "Asiatic mode of production": History and research methods; 2. Evolution of the concept of the "Asiatic mode of production; 3. A comparison of Eastern and Western ancient societies
About the author
Zhao Jiaxiang is Professor of Philosophy at Peking University, and has served as vice dean, professor, and director of the academic committee of the Department of Philosophy, as well as vice president and consultant of the Chinese Historical Materialism Association. His main research interests include Marxist philosophy and Marxist classic works.
Summary
This volume explores how Marx and Engels’ theory of the “Asiatic mode of production” – here referred to as ‘Eastern’ - plays an important part in the development trajectory of Eastern societies and is closely related to their theory of "five social forms".
