Leaping Over the Caudine Forks of Capitalism China Perspectives Series

In the four volumes of The Development Trajectory of Eastern Societies and the Theories and Practices of Socialism, the author re-examines the Marx and Engel?s theories on the development trajectory of Eastern societies by integrating theoretical analysis of Marxist theories and a historical investigation of socialist revolution and construction around the world.

This volume discusses the desire of the Russian commune to ?leap over the Caudine Forks of capitalism,? which means to avoid the torments of the capitalist system, according to Marx and Engels? theories. The author argues that it is essential to use the logic intrinsic in Marx and Engels? own works rather than those of subsequent disciples such as Lenin as well as other leaders in the Soviet Union or within China?s contemporary socialism.

Readers who study Marxism, Marxist philosophy, philosophical history, and the history of philosophy will find this volume interesting.

1. The nature and prospect of Russian communes; 2. Comparison of the early and the late Marxian thought; 3. Difference and consistency between Engels’ and Marx’s thoughts; 4. The victories of the Russian October Revolution and of the Chinese Revolution do not confirm the "leaping over" theory; 5. The greatest strength of the general historical philosophy is that it is supra-historical; 6. The theoretical contributions of Marx’s "Notes on Ancient Social History"

Jiaxiang Zhao is Professor of Philosophy at Peking University, and has served as vice dean and director of the academic committee of the Department of Philosophy, as well as vice president and consultant of the Chinese Historical Materialism Association. His main research interests include Marxist philosophy and Marxist classic works.