Theories Of Habermas' Reconstruction Of Historical Materialism

Historical materialism is an important part of the theory of Marxism, is one of the hot research topic of Western Marxism. Habermas inherited the Frankfurt school academic tradition. His proposal of the theory of rebuilding historical materialism reflects some of the new situation and the new features of western capitalist society, has certain representativeness and influence. In our country, the research of Habermas has been a significant study in current theoretical circles, but the focus of the domestic research mostly concentrated on his communicative action theory and ethical discussion. The research of the reconstruction of the theory of historical materialism is not sufficient.In fact, Habermas set the reconstruction of historical materialism theory as the top level of his own theoretical system. The reconstruction of historical materialism theory also has an important role in Habermas’s study. As a result, the research of the reconstruction of historical materialism has some theoretical value and practical significance. And it is helpful for us to promoting the Marxist theory of historical materialism, provide some useful reference to keep pace with time.This paper analyzes the formation of Habermas’s reconstruction of historical materialism historical background and theoretical background. By comparing the basic content of Marxist historical materialism and the basic content of Habermas’s reconstruction of historical materialism, the author analyzes the adjustment which was made by Habermas in order to adapt the new situation. At last, the author evaluates Habermas’s theory of the reconstruction of historical materialism at Marxist standpoint.The conclusion is that there is weakness in Habermas’s theory of the reconstruction of historical materialism. Habermas denied the essence of Marx’s theory of social evolution. His understanding was simple, mechanical, and, in essence, one-sided. But his reconstruction theory also has some active parts. After all, he adapted to the development of the situation, He stressed language and communication, and proposed to achieve the rationalization of communicate, spoke highly of the learning mechanism and moral in the development of human history. His view has some reasonable side, with some reference value.