the key note of the Hegelian theory of history. If we ask what it is
that evolves, the answer is reason or the Absolute Idea. The Idea is
continuously unfolding itself, actualising its immense potentialities
in the historical process. The process is, therefore, meaningful and
purposive. Development does not, however, proceed directly
forward: the Idea first begins as a thesis, then a force arises opposite
to it, called an antithesis, and finally there is a compromise termed as
a synthesis, which incorporates the best in each of the preceding
positions. This onward movement of the Idea is termed Dialectic.
Reason, whether in the individual, society or the universe, develops
in the dialectical fashion. The disharmony implicit in everything is
the cause of change and development. For Hegel, the universe is
both rational and dynamic. Each civilisation is higher in the scale of
value than the preceding one and will in its turn give place to a still
higher one. Progress, therefore, is a real fact. The Hegelian view
certainly makes the historical process meaningful. This view,
however, suffers from a fatal weakness. It fails to do justice to
individuality. Evolution, working slowly, through untold ages, has
finally produced the free rational individual. Such an individual may
be regarded as the goal towards which the process had been moving.
The future course of evolution would therefore be in the direction
of the gradual perfection of the individual. In the Hegelian scheme,
the emphasis is on the whole and the individual merely subserves the
purposes of the whole. This, we believe, is a fatal error, and is
responsible, though not solely, for the theory of "the nation being
an organism, with a being, ends and means of action superior to
those of the individuals, separate or grouped, of whom it is
composed .... a moral, political and economic unity, integrally
(1)
realised in (a totalitarian) state," thereby crushing the individual
under the iron wheels of this Jagannathan chariot*.
In the Marxian theory, prime importance is attached to the
economic factor. The economic system at any particular time
determines the ideals, values, moral standard and every aspect of
the society. One economic system gives place to another in the same
Islam: A Challenge to Religion 267- Jagannath means Lord of the World, and is the avatar of the Hindus.
During the Chariot Festival his image is placed on a heavy chariot.
Devotees are said to have thrown themselves under the wheels." Jagannath
is considered by some scholars as the old form of Vishnu. (Editor)