Philosophy of Society

Philosophy of History

Linear Concepts of History

The progressive concept of history is evident in various worldview paradigms, most vividly expressed in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions. According to these traditions, God created the world and endowed it with the means to develop and move towards a universal and absolute good. Humanity's task is to realize God's plan and guide the world towards its ultimate goal. Thus, history is not merely a collection of events but the unfolding of divine providence over time. Adherence to God's Law allows humanity to gradually uncover its inherent potential and advance the world towards its ideal state—the Kingdom of God.

This notion shapes the calendar systems. In Judaism, where history is a linear process commencing with the creation of the world and continuing eternally, the calendar is reckoned from the world's creation. Based on calculations of events described in the Torah, it was established that creation occurred in 3761 BCE. Hence, the Jewish calendar differs from the Christian calendar by 3761 years; for example, the Christian year 2020 corresponds to the Jewish year 5781. In Christianity, the pivotal point in history is the birth of Jesus Christ, which became the reference point for world history. Byzantine historian and theologian Archbishop Eusebius of Caesarea (263-339) first proposed using Christ's birth as the chronological starting point. The English monk Bede the Venerable (672/673-735) introduced the use of Christ's birth as a chronological reference in historiographical texts written in Latin. Today, in Christian countries, the starting point for years is still the birth of Christ, from which years are counted in both directions: past and future. Muslims use the Hijri calendar, beginning from the day Prophet Muhammad and his early followers emigrated from Mecca to Medina, which occurred on July 16, 622 CE.

In Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and many other religious and philosophical systems, history is viewed as a continuous linear progression directed from the creation of the world towards the full realization of divine intent concerning humanity.

However, not all cultures that perceive history linearly view it as progressive. Some cultures adhere to a regressive concept of history, wherein the past is seen as a time of happiness and ideal social institutions, which deteriorate over time, making the present worse and the future more dismal. This perspective was dominant, for instance, in China, where ancient Chinese believed that the world was initially ruled by three legendary sovereigns (Fu Xi, Shen Nong, and Nu Wa), followed by five legendary emperors (Huang Di, Zhuan Xu, Ku, Yao, and Shun). During their reigns, people were happy, and governmental institutions were wise and effective, rendering the world ideal. Subsequently, power was transferred to imperial dynasties, each ruling worse than the previous, leading to a decline in customs and morality, and diminishing happiness. Thus, history was viewed as a continuous decline.

A similar notion of history as linear regression can be found in ancient Egypt. Initially, the world was governed by Amon-Ra, whom the Egyptians considered a solar deity. During his rule, there was a "golden age," a time when everything was good. After him, Osiris governed wisely and happily. Later, power was transferred to the pharaohs, with each successive era deteriorating compared to the previous one.

Such views of history as a linear regression are present in various cultures and religions, underpinned by the belief that humanity is inescapably moving towards a tragic end.