Thought of Scientific and Technological Revolution

Marxist theory of scientific discovery and technological innovation that have a determining influence on social development. Science is a systematic and theoretical system of knowledge by which man reflects and knows the attributes and laws of things, while technology is the sum total of the means of labor, methods of arts and crafts and systems of skills created by man in the practical activity of controlling and reshaping nature. As a manifestation of advanced productive forces, science and technology play a very important role in pushing forward social development. Marxism emphasized the significant part played by scientific discoveries and technological inventions, and established the Marxist theory of scientific and technological revolutions from the perspective of the relationship of scientific and technological revolution and industrial revolution and their relation with social revolution. In Economic Manuscripts of 1857–1858, Marx pointed out that “science too is among these productive forces.” Science was for Marx a historically dynamic, revolutionary force. He regarded science as a powerful lever of history and a revolutionary force of highest significance. Engels repeatedly emphasized that technological inventions such as steam engine more than any other were to revolutionize social relations throughout the world. Lenin and Mao Zedong also emphasized the revolutionary power of science and technology. Deng Xiaoping inherited the Marxist thought of the productive forces of science and technology, and further put forth the view that “science and technology are the primary productive forces”, championed and practiced the strategy of rejuvenating the country through science and education, and has enriched the Marxist theory of scientific and technological revolution.

Generally speaking, the scientific and technological revolution is the application of science to productive practice, which leads to technological innovations and profound revolutions in the industrial structure. Scientific revolutions are revolutions in the theoretical system of knowing the world, while technological revolutions are revolutions in the instrumental system of reshaping of the world; the scientific revolution is the precursor and the theoretical basis of the technological revolution. In ancient society, the scientific and technological revolutions have proceeded separately. In recent times, especially since the 19th and 20th centuries, the scientific and technological revolutions have become increasingly bound together. The establishment of scientific theories of revolutionary significance, such as the cell theory, the law of conservation and transformation of energy and Darwin’s theory of evolution in the 19th century, and the systems theory, cybernetics, and the information theory in the 20th century, caused breakthroughs and innovations in the field of technology that changed the world. The appearance of steam engine, the widespread use of electricity and the emergence of atomic energy and electronic computers marked the birth of the three modern technological revolutions. The technological revolution first changed the technical method and process of the production process, causing changes in the system of production and management, organizational structure, economic structure, etc., thus causing profound revolutions in the industrial structure. The scientific and technological revolution also pushed forward the expansion of the scale of production, the extensive development of the division of labor and collaboration, and led to revolutions in the relations of production. Fundamental revolutions in the sphere of production are changing the image of social production, thus affect the social structure, man’s mode of life and modes of behavior, thoughts and ideas, etc. and push forward the occurrence of fundamental changes in society. Therefore, science and technology are revolutionary forces that fundamentally push forward the progress of social development, are intrinsic driving forces of social development.

Marxism emphasizes the important part played by science and technology, but also clearly points out that science and technology are not the only revolutionary forces that determine the development of the history of society. There are various factors that determine social development. Without revolutionary theories and the struggle of the proletariat, capitalism will not spontaneously transform into socialism.