Is a class approach to learn history out of date? Or... (invitation to a discussion)

Abstract

In the following paper the author disclosures some aspects of a complex problem. It is a class approach to the assessment of events and phenomena as one of the approaches to learn history. The style is lapidary, with conciseness elements. The author considers fundamental postulates of the Marxist-Leninist concept of a class approach to the assessment of events and phenomena as one of the approaches to learn history. The emphasis is placed here on Lenins understanding of the methodological phenomenon stated above and its development by ideologists of the Communist Party governing the Soviet state. Development of the studied concept in the Soviet historical science is traced. At the same time it is emphasized that eclecticism elements were allowed when scientists confused the concepts principles of a historical research and approaches to learn history. The author considers how the problem of a class approach to assessment of events and phenomena is treated in a Post-Soviet and modern historiography. The author says that this approach hasnt become outdated in historical science as many representatives of so-called liberal historical school consider (dont confuse with V.O. Klyuchevsky) and continues to function. However, it changed manifestation forms and receded a little into the background.