Development of the Theory of Economic Interests in the Concepts of the Old Historical School and Marxism

The system of economic views of the old historical school and Marxism in the context of the development of the theory of economic interests has been substantied. The relevance of the scientific article is determined by the need to establish the contribution of economists at each stage of the evolution of the theory of economic interests. The objective of the article is to substantiate the specificity and advantages of a scientific analysis of the economic interests of the old historical school and Marxists in the context of the connection with the reproduction of economic interests in the process of economic development. The main prerequisites for the development of the industrial economy that determined the specific features of economic interests at the micro and macroeconomic levels in the economy of the 19th century have been established and characterized. Also conceptual generalizations of the economists of the historical school and Marxists concerning the theoretical and methodological foundations, classification, interrelationships of economic interests in the process of economic activity have been disclosed. The specifics and evolution of the methodology of their research have been substantiated. The critical view of the German school regarding the conclusions and methodological analysis of the classical school of political economy have been revealed. The economists of the indicated directions of economic doctrines gave primacy to general (public) economic interests have been shown. Representatives of the Old German School think that the main function of public interests are defense and implemation of people's interests. National interests don't submit to the unified «natural» laws of economics and rules of economic policy, they have their own specific distinctive character. Therefore, it is necessary to take into account the specifics of economic development and the interests of each nation. The connection of personal interests to social relations, which determine the economic and social situation, the status of a person in society as a whole and in economic activity in particular has been defined by the Marxists. However, the public interest fulfills a sovereign function, which determines the effectiveness of social reproduction. Utilitarian perception of the nature of personal interests, their monoconnection with selfish aspirations to increase economic benefits, wealth, power has been criticized. The main characteristics of economic interests during the development of the industrial society of the XIX century has been revealed by the author. Depending on their content, objects and subjects, the formation and implementation, the dominant forms, the nature and motives, the objectives, the degree of implementation, the instruments of regulation, the nature of the manifestation. Further scientific research will take place in the direction of identifying non-economic institutions that influence the formation and realization of economic interests in the concepts of contemporary researchers.