The Saint-Simonian Philosophy of History: A Note

Abstract

Saint-Simonians drew a parallel between growth of mankind in history and growth of a human body. Both mankind and body were said to develop from stage to stage by of progressive development. Humanity . . . is a collective entity. This entity has grown from generation to generation as a man in course of years, according to its own physical law, which has been one of progressive development.' human race grows progressively according to invariable laws (33). of perfectibility of human species is key to understanding history (32). By law of perfectibility, it is ordained that mankind pass from miseries of savagery to bliss of a secular paradise. In progress toward secular perfection political society is seen to pass through two alternating modes of historical existence: and According to Saint-Simonians there have been two organic epochs in history: first was Greek and Roman polytheism ending with Socrates in Greece and Augustus in Rome; second began with preaching of Gospels and ended with Martin Luther. first organic epoch was followed by critical epoch of philosophy, during which polytheism was undermined by classical philosophers. With Reformation came close of second organic epoch. second critical epoch was to come to a close with rise of new era proclaimed by Saint-Simon and preached by his disciples. Saint-Simonians saw themselves as apostles of a new creed,2 creed of secular perfectibility. Doctrine was written to announce that the times have been fulfilled and hour is about to strike when, according to Saint-Simonian transformation of Christian word, all shall be called and all shall be chosen (40). That is, SaintSimonians saw themselves as heralds of third and final organic epoch. With this broad sketch in mind let us look more closely into nature of organic and critical epochs. primary characteristic of an organic epoch is virtual unanimity which prevails in society during that time regarding proper aim of social policy. The distinct characteristics of organic epoch are unity and harmony in all spheres of human activity (55). Society is united harmoniously in common action toward an agreed social goal. The truly superior are, of course, in possession of power (53). In addition, various fields of science are unified in organic epoch. All human knowledge is related under functional dogma of epoch. Order rules everywhere. critical epochs are negative of organic; two are diametrically