CHAPTER I SOCIALISTIC CHILIASM
§ 1 the Origin of Chiliasm
Socialism is based on two main ideas. First, it is seen as a moral and political movement that opposes capitalism, which many consider unjust. Supporters of socialism believe in creating a fair society where everyone works together, leading to true democracy and a planned economy. They argue that socialism is a better choice because it is fair and makes more sense than the chaotic profit-driven capitalist system. This view of socialism is often called Utopian, suggesting it is an ideal society we should aim for.
Second, socialism is also viewed as something that will inevitably happen because of historical progress. Some believe that humanity is on a journey towards social and moral improvement, with socialism as the final destination. This idea sees the shift to socialism as a natural outcome of historical development, suggesting that change will happen regardless of human actions. This view is known as evolutionary socialism, and it is often connected to Marxist ideas, which claims to be 'Scientific' Socialism, implying it can be understood in a factual way.
Recently, scholars have noted that ideas similar to socialism were discussed before Marx, especially by early thinkers labeled as Utopians. However, focusing just on the economic aspects of Marxist theory limits our understanding of the bigger picture. The materialist view of history combines ways of studying past events, understanding social classes and their struggles, and believing in human progress. This combination leads many to see socialism as an inevitable outcome of history.
The idea that history is leading to socialism has helped spread these ideas, even among those who oppose socialism. Society now often views socialism as a modern and progressive concept, while protecting private property is seen as outdated.
However, the materialist conception of history is more than just a way to analyze society; it also involves deeper philosophical ideas about purpose and goals in human development. Many theories suggest that humanity started in a perfect state and is meant to return to it, which connects to ideas of salvation found in religion.
In ancient times, prophets spoke of a Kingdom of God on Earth, stressing immediate change. Early Christianity shared this belief but had to adapt when the second coming didn't happen as expected. As a result, the focus shifted from an earthly kingdom to promises of life after death.
Despite the changes, some people still believed in a future paradise on Earth, even when the Church rejected these ideas. These beliefs sometimes inspired movements for social change, showing how early religious ideas interacted with later philosophical teachings. This blending raises questions about what socialism really means and how it connects to these deeper beliefs.
§ 2 Chiliasm and Social Theory
Metaphysical philosophy of history is different from rational philosophy. Rational philosophy is based on real experiences and facts, aiming to explain social events logically. It creates principles for understanding how societies grow, assuming these principles are always true and apply to all societies. In contrast, teleological views show a limited process of social change, while the governing laws of society are endless. The chiliastic philosophy talks about a divine perspective and tries to predict the future without scientific proof, wrongly claiming to be science. This philosophy suggests that society will eventually come to an end but lacks solid evidence and understanding of human actions. Scientific socialism combines some metaphysical ideas with rational explanations, and the next discussion will focus on these attempts to justify its beliefs.
§ 1 the Origin of Chiliasm
Socialism is based on two main ideas. First, it is seen as a moral and political movement that opposes capitalism, which many consider unjust. Supporters of socialism believe in creating a fair society where everyone works together, leading to true democracy and a planned economy. They argue that socialism is a better choice because it is fair and makes more sense than the chaotic profit-driven capitalist system. This view of socialism is often called Utopian, suggesting it is an ideal society we should aim for.
Second, socialism is also viewed as something that will inevitably happen because of historical progress. Some believe that humanity is on a journey towards social and moral improvement, with socialism as the final destination. This idea sees the shift to socialism as a natural outcome of historical development, suggesting that change will happen regardless of human actions. This view is known as evolutionary socialism, and it is often connected to Marxist ideas, which claims to be 'Scientific' Socialism, implying it can be understood in a factual way.
Recently, scholars have noted that ideas similar to socialism were discussed before Marx, especially by early thinkers labeled as Utopians. However, focusing just on the economic aspects of Marxist theory limits our understanding of the bigger picture. The materialist view of history combines ways of studying past events, understanding social classes and their struggles, and believing in human progress. This combination leads many to see socialism as an inevitable outcome of history.
The idea that history is leading to socialism has helped spread these ideas, even among those who oppose socialism. Society now often views socialism as a modern and progressive concept, while protecting private property is seen as outdated.
However, the materialist conception of history is more than just a way to analyze society; it also involves deeper philosophical ideas about purpose and goals in human development. Many theories suggest that humanity started in a perfect state and is meant to return to it, which connects to ideas of salvation found in religion.
In ancient times, prophets spoke of a Kingdom of God on Earth, stressing immediate change. Early Christianity shared this belief but had to adapt when the second coming didn't happen as expected. As a result, the focus shifted from an earthly kingdom to promises of life after death.
Despite the changes, some people still believed in a future paradise on Earth, even when the Church rejected these ideas. These beliefs sometimes inspired movements for social change, showing how early religious ideas interacted with later philosophical teachings. This blending raises questions about what socialism really means and how it connects to these deeper beliefs.
§ 2 Chiliasm and Social Theory
Metaphysical philosophy of history is different from rational philosophy. Rational philosophy is based on real experiences and facts, aiming to explain social events logically. It creates principles for understanding how societies grow, assuming these principles are always true and apply to all societies. In contrast, teleological views show a limited process of social change, while the governing laws of society are endless. The chiliastic philosophy talks about a divine perspective and tries to predict the future without scientific proof, wrongly claiming to be science. This philosophy suggests that society will eventually come to an end but lacks solid evidence and understanding of human actions. Scientific socialism combines some metaphysical ideas with rational explanations, and the next discussion will focus on these attempts to justify its beliefs.