General View of the Historical Development of Human Societies. Monograph

General View of the Historical Development of Human Societies. Monograph
Mamanov Abdurahim

Following the emergence of Marx’s foundational theory regarding the historical progression of humanity, there arose a widespread disillusionment with overarching theoretical frameworks. Consequently, scholarly attention shifted predominantly towards localized and regional issues. However, it is imperative for historians to possess a comprehensive understanding of the broader trajectory of societal development; lacking such insight is akin to a sailor navigating the seas without a compass.

General View of the Historical Development of Human Societies. Monograph

Mamanov Abdurahim

© Mamanov Abdurahim, 2024

ISBN 978-5-0064-0532-5

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Mamanov Abdurahim

GENERAL VIEW OF THE HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF HUMAN SOCIETIES

Monograph

TASHKENT-2023

FOREWORD

Following the emergence of Marx’s foundational theory regarding the historical progression of humanity, there arose a widespread disillusionment with overarching theoretical frameworks. Consequently, scholarly attention shifted predominantly towards localized and regional issues. However, it is imperative for historians to possess a comprehensive understanding of the broader trajectory of societal development; lacking such insight is akin to a sailor navigating the seas without a compass. Presently, the prevalent reliance on event-based narratives within textbooks contributes to the difficulty historians face in constructing a cohesive overview of human historical development. The pamphlet in your possession serves as a response to this challenge, and we eagerly anticipate your feedback on its contents.

Mamanov Abdurahim

Researcher at the Samarkand State University

2023

Contents

Introduction

It was mentioned in our previous studies that without creating a general picture of the path of historical development of human society, it is a difficult task to correctly understand and evaluate the historical events that happened in the life of this or that nation.[1 - Маманов А. Тарих миллатлар манфаатлари тy?нашувчи майдондир. Ижтимоий фикр журнали 2020 й. 2-сон.]

It is indisputable that contemporary history textbooks for high and secondary schools often contain numerous shallow concepts, uncertainties, and erroneous conclusions regarding both global history and the specific history of Uzbekistan. We believe that one of the primary reasons for this discrepancy is the absence of a developmental theory capable of illuminating the trajectory of human societal progress.

The history of human society encompasses the narratives of countless nations, many of which have risen and fallen over time, with their positions often assumed by other peoples. Some nations confront crises, while others continuously advance and evolve, ultimately becoming leading global powers.

Is there a discernible pattern within this perpetual cycle of ascent, crisis, emergence, decline, destruction, and prosperity, or is it merely a matter of random chance?

We believe that the historical progression of human society unfolds according to overarching principles. The task of uncovering these principles falls under the purview of the theory of historical development, which is essentially the philosophy of history.

While chance certainly plays a role in historical processes, it is essential to recognize that beneath the apparent randomness lies a foundation of law. Events that may appear coincidental to us are, in fact, mechanisms through which these laws manifest and actualize.

As an illustration, the rise of Islam in the Arabian Peninsula during the early 7th century constituted a significant event. This emergence was deemed necessary as the nomadic Arab tribes, characterized by their polytheistic beliefs where each tribe worshipped its own deity and engaged in perpetual warfare with others, required a unifying faith to consolidate into a cohesive nation.

However, the dissemination of this faith through the teachings of Muhammad – its specific manifestation – was also influenced by various incidental factors.

Those who refute the presence of overarching laws in the historical evolution of human society perceive historical development as a chaotic sequence of happenstance events. They elevate the role of chance to such an extent that they entertain the notion of a breeze altering its course from the East to the West, thereby influencing the temperament of an emperor and drastically reshaping the course of human history.

If life were truly governed by such arbitrary occurrences, individuals and nations alike would be unable to anticipate the future or formulate any coherent plans.

Human history can be likened to a vast edifice with countless chambers. Each nation’s history forms one of these chambers within the larger structure. To accurately determine the exact dimensions, elevation, and arrangement of each of these numerous chambers, it is imperative to first ascertain the overall elevation, position, and shape of the entire edifice. Without establishing this overarching framework, it becomes evident that determining the placement, level, and configuration of the individual chambers becomes an insurmountable task.

Reflecting on a past experience, I once observed a group of individuals preparing a site for a new house. Despite possessing measuring instruments and intermittently moving about, they failed to complete the task. It became apparent that none among them possessed the expertise required for such an endeavor: one was a district’s chief physician, another his driver, a third an agronomist, and the fourth a foreman. It is likely that their inability to define the outer dimensions of the house precisely as a rectangular shape hindered their ability to position the chambers within the designated layout.

Realizing that their efforts would likely be in vain, I obtained their consent and proceeded to establish the outer dimensions of the forthcoming building according to precise rectangular guidelines. Subsequently, we measured and arranged the rooms within this framework with precision.

The principles governing the construction process have been established for millennia, requiring no alteration or objection. However, a universally accepted theory of historical development, capable of satisfying all perspectives and immune to criticism, has yet to be formulated. As previously mentioned, history is a realm where national interests often clash. Each nation, recognizing itself as such, contends for its own interests, interpreting historical events accordingly, and formulating its own theory of historical development.

Numerous theories have been devised to articulate the interests not only of distinct peoples and nations but also specific social classes. For instance, the theory of historical materialism, championed by Marx and Engels, primarily represents the interests of the proletariat, the world’s impoverished class.

However, it is crucial to recognize that the architect of a theory of historical development does not confine their philosophy to the interests of a particular people, nation, or social class. Instead, they endeavor to present it as the trajectory of historical progression applicable to all of humanity.

Indeed, the true nature of a theory, whether it accurately reflects the trajectory of historical development for all humanity or merely serves the interests of specific groups, will ultimately be determined by time itself. Time stands as the ultimate arbiter.

It is essential to acknowledge that not everyone will readily embrace novel ideas concerning historical development. As a general rule, any new scientific proposition, whether valid or erroneous, typically faces criticism from many quarters. This resistance stems from the fact that innovation often entails challenging established norms, concepts, and values held by the majority, be it in personal relationships or within the realm of academia. Naturally, it is difficult for many individuals to embrace the new while relinquishing ideas, values, and concepts they have long regarded as true.

Initially, we will conduct a thorough critical examination of various theories of historical development, offering our perspectives on each. Subsequently, we will endeavor to articulate our own viewpoint, namely, the comprehensive framework of human societal development from the vantage point of the geographical school in sociology.

1. Formative approach

The theoretical underpinnings of the formative approach were developed by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. According to this approach, human society’s history unfolds through a series of social and economic formations.

In accordance with Marxist theory, human endeavors to procure essential material goods for sustenance invariably manifest in distinct modes of production. From this perspective, human society progresses through the following formations:

– Primitive community system.

– Slavery.

– Feudal system.

– Capitalism.

– Communism.

These are referred to as socio-economic formations, which are rooted in the method of producing material goods. Each society develops a complex of political institutions, ideological beliefs, and religious views based on its method of production – the economic foundation. Property and production relations in each society are shaped in accordance with a particular level of productive forces.

The mode of production in any society is determined by its specific relations of production and ownership. As productive forces grow and develop, a tension emerges between the existing method of production and the productive forces within society. This tension is typically resolved through a social revolution, wherein the established production and property relations are dismantled by the forces of production, paving the way for new production and property relations that align with the current level of productivity – a new economic foundation and mode of production. Subsequently, new structural, political, and social organizations – along with artistic, literary, ideological, and philosophical systems – emerge to correspond with the new economic base.

Presently, many scholars acknowledge that while the formative approach offers insights into European historical development, it falls short in accurately capturing the histories of other regions, particularly those in the East:

«The formative approach is not without its limitations. Historical evidence suggests that not all countries follow the rigid framework proposed by proponents of this approach. For instance, many nations have not transitioned beyond the social and economic system of slavery. Moreover, the historical trajectories of Eastern countries often diverge significantly from the formative developmental system formulated for European societies.»[2 - Замонов А. Сам. ДУ тад?и?отчиси А. Мамановнинг «Тарих фанини y?итишда инновацион услуб» номли ма?оласига та?риз.]

According to Zamonov, the formative approach was primarily designed for European societies, suggesting it effectively elucidates the historical evolution of Europe. However, we contend that the formative approach struggles to accurately depict the trajectory of historical development not only in other regions of the world but even within Europe itself.