ABSTRACT
The materialistic theory of history is an acquisition which has influenced the science of culture in an extraordinarily fruitful way, and after bitter conflict is generally recognized and is constantly enlarging its sphere. In the “pre-scientific period” or rather in the theological and metaphysical stages of intellectual life, while at the same time contemptuously keeping aloof from the world of actuality. The manner of production of the material life in general qualifies the social, political and intellectual life process. The early industrial phase is characterized by the rise of industries, the beginning of the differentiation of men in their professions. In the mid industrial phase professional organization is built up into a system; barter is facilitated by the invention of money. The mid capitalistic phase begins with the invention of labour saving machines. The changes in religious, moral, legal, aesthetic, philosophical and other ideas are not the causes, but the results of economic evolution.
