The Theoretical Connotation And Reality Of The Five Letters Of Historical Materialism In Engels’s Later Years Apocalyptic Studies

As a scientific theory,Marxism can correctly reveal the law of social contradiction movement because it takes historical materialism as the cornerstone of philosophy.As the "second violinist",Engels made great contributions to the establishment and development of historical materialism.In his later years,in order to defend and develop Marxism,Engels further clarified the basic positions and views of historical materialism and supplemented and emphasized some contents of historical materialism in his letters with many scholars.An in-depth study of these letters is conducive to further deepen the understanding and interpretation of the basic principles of historical materialism,explore its theoretical value and practical significance,and better apply it to guide the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era.Under the guidance of historical materialism,based on the new era and new journey,and on the basis of grasping the writing background and motivation of Engels’ s five letters of historical materialism in his later years,this paper deeply studies the basic principles of historical materialism contained in the letters,so as to provide practical enlightenment for the construction and development of socialist undertakings under the background of the new era.Firstly,this paper discusses the realistic background and theoretical motivation of letter writing from three aspects:the new characteristics and trends of capitalist development,the difficulties faced by historical materialism and Engels’ accurate positioning of self-identity.Secondly,combined with Engels’ defense,persistence and deepening of historical materialism and the application of methodological principles in his letters,this paper systematically discusses the theoretical contribution of the letters: first,Engels defended the historical materialism by criticizing the wrong tone in his letters;Second,Engels adhered to and implemented historical materialism in the process of adhering to the decisive role of economy,the subjective position of man and taking historical materialism as the guide of research work;Thirdly,Engels deepened and developed historical materialism in the process of emphasizing the reaction of ideology,expounding the inevitability and contingency of historical development and the thought of "historical resultant force theory";Fourth,Engels implemented the methodological principles of historical materialism in his letters,adhered to the fundamental method of materialist dialectics,emphasized exploring the value of the original works on the basis of the unity of logic and history,and implemented the historical comparison method in the study of history.Combining Engels’ five letters of historical materialism in his later years with the reality of China’s development in the new era has practical guiding significance: first,strengthen the construction of socialist ideology on the premise of adhering to the guiding position of Marxism.Secondly,give full play to the historical joint force to promote the full realization of modernization;Finally,on the basis of adhering to the central position of economic construction,promote the comprehensive and coordinated development of society,and finally provide correct theoretical guidance for the construction of socialism with Chinese characteristics.