Historicism

Historicism is a term which applies to theories of culture or development which place the greatest weight on two factors: one is the organic succession of developments, and the other is that local conditions and peculiarities influence in a decisive way the results. It can be contrasted with reductionist theories which suppose that all developments are individual and ad hoc, and on the other hand that there is a universal and unilinear progression to development. Separate from these usages is the use of the word to denote using biblical prophecy as the lens to interpret all contemporary events.

Related Topics:
Unilinear - Use

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The term has developed different and divergent, though loosely related, meanings. Elements of some appear in the extensive writings of G.W.F. Hegel, one of the most influential philosophers of 19th-century Europe, as well as in those of a philosopher he deeply influenced, Karl Marx. It is also associated with the empirical social sciences and the work of Franz Boas. Karl Popper described what he called "historicism" and attacked it, and the determinism which he argued was at its root.

Related Topics:
G.W.F. Hegel - Philosopher - 19th-century - Europe - Karl Marx - Franz Boas - Karl Popper - Determinism

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Post-structuralism uses the term New Historicism, which has some connections to both anthropology and Hegelianism, but is treated in its own seperate article.

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