Cyclism, iterativity and historical parallels in the framework of the problem of understanding the historical process

The present study considers the problem of the method of historical parallels in the framework of the philosophy of history, taking into account its comparison with the concepts of iterativity and cyclism. At the beginning of study, the author notes the relevance and analyzes the philosophical and historical aspect of the topic. The greater focus is placed on current research in this area. The work by T.S. Kondratieva “Bolsheviks-Jacobins and the Phantom of Thermidor”, which uses the method of historical parallels at the scientific level, is examined more carefully compared with other works. The author not only analyzes this research, but also provides his own comparisons related to it. The research methodology is based on socio-philosophical analysis, historical and comparative method. The method of historical parallels also plays a significant role. For the first time there is suggested the following chain of key concepts of the topic under consideration: cycle, iteration, laws of history. It is concluded that there are certain problems of using the concept of historical cyclism, as well as there are advantages and limitations of the method of historical parallels.