Chapter I: Concerning the Scientific Form of Historical Materialism

1. Scope of essay: Labriola's book implies that historical
materialism is not a philosophy of history: Distinction
between a philosophy of history and philosophising about
history: Reason why two have been confused: Materialistic
theory of History as stated by Labriola not an attempt to
establish a law of history: This contrasted with theories
of monists, and teleologists: Engels' statement that it is
a new method erroneous: New content not new method 2

2. Historical materialism a mass of new data of which
historian becomes conscious: Does not state that history
is nothing more than economic history, nor does it provide
a theory of history: Is simply investigation of influence
economic needs have exercised in history: This view does
not detract from its importance 12

3. Questions as to relations between historical
materialism and socialism; Only possible connection lies
in special historical application: Bearing of historical
materialism upon intellectual and moral truth: Throws
light on influence of material conditions on their
development, but does not demonstrate their relativity:
Absolute morality a necessary postulate of socialism 21