Economic history and the methodology of scientific research in the works of Ivane Javakhishvili

Abstract

The growing importance of interdisciplinary approaches in the humanities, particularly in the context of globalization, rapid social change, and increasing economic inequality, highlights the continuing relevance of historical methodology for understanding both past and present societies. In this respect, the scholarly legacy of Ivane Javakhishvili represents a significant contribution to the development of Georgian historiography as a scientific discipline. His methodological interpretation of Ilia Chavchavadze’s historical concept provided a systematic framework for analyzing historical processes through the interaction of social, economic, political, and cultural factors. Rather than viewing history as a sequence of isolated events, Javakhishvili emphasized the interconnected nature of historical development and the necessity of critical, evidence-based research. The aim of this study is to examine Ivane Javakhishvili’s methodological perspective and to analyze his interpretation of Ilia Chavchavadze’s historical concept, with particular attention to the social and economic foundations of historical development. The research object is the historiographical legacy of Ivane Javakhishvili, while the research subject focuses on his methodological principles and interpretation of Ilia Chavchavadze’s historical vision. The study seeks to identify the main features of Chavchavadze’s historical concept, evaluate Javakhishvili’s methodological contribution, assess the significance of social and economic determinants in historical processes, and demonstrate the role of objectivity, critical analysis, and complexity in historical inquiry. The research employs an interdisciplinary methodological framework that combines historical-critical analysis, comparative source analysis, cause-and-effect analysis, systemic interpretation, and the principle of historical perspective, which requires historical events to be understood within their specific temporal and social contexts. The findings demonstrate that Ivane Javakhishvili transformed Ilia Chavchavadze’s historical ideas into a coherent scientific methodology grounded in rigorous source criticism and comprehensive analysis. His approach confirms that social relations, economic structures, and material conditions constitute essential determinants of historical development while remaining inseparable from political and cultural processes. The study further illustrates that Javakhishvili’s methodology established enduring principles of historical research - objectivity, critical evaluation of evidence, and multidimensional analysis - which continue to provide valuable theoretical and methodological guidance for historiography, economic history, and broader social science research.