Author: İsmet Şahin

The Marxist Theory of History
The passage presents a Marxist perspective on the development of human knowledge, science, and history. It argues that human existence and the transformation of nature for survival have been central to the evolution of human knowledge, which eventually led to the development of science. Science, as a systematic reorganization of past knowledge, is seen as historically conditioned and constantly evolving with new discoveries. The text critiques the idea of achieving absolute knowledge, emphasizing that all scientific endeavors are limited by the historical and social context of their time.

The passage discusses the dialectical relationship between science and Marxism, noting that Marxism emerged as a product of 19th-century scientific progress. Engels’ view of dialectics as a product of scientific development is highlighted, along with the necessity for Marxism to evolve alongside scientific advancements. The critique targets bourgeois distortions in science, asserting that Marxism must be refined through scientific scrutiny to ensure it serves the interests of the working class.

The passage concludes with a reference to Dr. Hikmet Kıvılcımlı’s book, The Theory of History, which seeks to address perceived deficiencies in Marx and Engels’ historical analysis due to the limitations of their era’s scientific understanding. The text presents a critique of Kıvılcımlı’s attempt to “complete” Marxist theory by questioning whether he truly advances Marxism in light of contemporary scientific developments.

In conclusion, the passage outlines the ongoing evolution of knowledge, critiques bourgeois distortions in science, and establishes a critique of Kıvılcımlı’s interpretation of Marxist historical theory.