Abstract

This study investigates the validity of the so-called convergence theory of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin as an explanation of modern economic history. The main problem is whether the growing world-wide economic inequality does not contradict the convergence theory. The latter interprets modern history as a new phase in planetary evolution, leading to the unification of mankind. This interpretation is based on the law of complexity-consciousness which Teilhard de Chardin sees as the fundamental dynamic of the evolution. In modern history the operation of this law is recognized by him in the rapid complexification of the world system, and the new consciousness connected with this complexification, i.e. modern science. After having presented a great deal of quantitative evidence on growing world-wide economic inequality during the last centuries the study proceeds towards a synthetic interpretation of this growing economic inequality. For this the theory of modern economic growth of Simon Kuznets and the theory of the capitalist world economy of Immanuel Wallerstein are combined into one concept, namely dualistic integration. Next, dualistic integration and evolutionary convergence, as described by Teilhard de Chardin, are confronted with each other. The Marxist concept of alienation and the distinction of Martin Buber between "Ich-Es" and "Ich-Du" are used in order to explain the failure of the process of world complexification to really unite human beings. Dualistic integration is considered to be an oppressive process which denies countless human beings the conditions for an adequate living. In a last chapter a contribution which the vision of Teilhard de Chardin may give to a process of liberation and true human unification, is indicated