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تاریخ بنیادی
English, German (translation)
- GenresHistory
848 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1936
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
February 20, 2013
A massive, comprehensive look at historism (historicism) and its roots going all the way back to Vico and others. Subdivided into French/English/German schools of pre- and Enlightenment historiography. Has an awesome postscript (from a Meinecke lecture) on von Ranke. Pretty much the standard work for the subject.
May 5, 2010
Meinecke: If you love Goethe so much why don't you marry him.
April 28, 2021
Full of nuanced nuances of the major figures' contributions to historism makes it a bit hard to distinguish the various positions. I suppose the inclusion of Leibniz, Shaftsebury and the extended coverage of Goethe might seem surprising since they are not normally considered a historians. Its a clue to how deep Meinecke went to find all the strands, including those from metaphysicians and poets, that contributed to modern historical writing. Readers will get a sense of the subtleties of the field; I'm pretty sure I would never have hit upon any of them by just reading historical works.
January 19, 2024
"Historicism: The Rise of a New Historical Outlook," by Friedrich Meinecke, originally published in 1936, is a seminal work in the field of historiography and the philosophy of history. In this intellectually rigorous text, Meinecke, a distinguished German historian, explores the development and influence of historicism - the belief that history should be understood as a series of unique events influenced by varying social, political, economic, and cultural factors.
Meinecke's work is characterized by its profound depth and thoroughness. He traces the origins and evolution of historicism from the early 19th century, examining its roots in the ideas of thinkers like Leopold von Ranke and Wilhelm Dilthey. He argues that historicism emerged as a response to the rationalist and universalist tendencies of the Enlightenment, emphasizing the importance of particularity, context, and the subjective nature of historical understanding.
A significant strength of the book lies in Meinecke’s ability to synthesize and critique a wide range of philosophical and historical ideas. His analysis illuminates the tensions and contradictions inherent in historicism, such as the struggle to reconcile the uniqueness of historical events with the search for general historical laws. He also delves into the implications of historicism for the understanding of national identity and moral values, an exploration that remains relevant to contemporary debates in historiography.
However, the book's dense and complex nature may pose a challenge for readers. Meinecke's writing is demanding, requiring not only familiarity with the key figures and concepts of 19th and early 20th-century German philosophy but also a willingness to engage with intricate philosophical arguments. Moreover, some critics argue that Meinecke's focus on German thinkers and traditions limits the book's scope, potentially overlooking the broader European and global context of historicist thought.
“Friedrich Meinecke's "Historicism" is a landmark work that offers a comprehensive and critical examination of a major intellectual movement in modern history. Its insightful analysis and depth make it an essential text for students and scholars of history, philosophy, and the humanities. While its complexity and focus may limit its accessibility, the book remains a vital contribution to our understanding of how historical thinking has shaped and been shaped by the broader currents of intellectual history.
GPT
Meinecke's work is characterized by its profound depth and thoroughness. He traces the origins and evolution of historicism from the early 19th century, examining its roots in the ideas of thinkers like Leopold von Ranke and Wilhelm Dilthey. He argues that historicism emerged as a response to the rationalist and universalist tendencies of the Enlightenment, emphasizing the importance of particularity, context, and the subjective nature of historical understanding.
A significant strength of the book lies in Meinecke’s ability to synthesize and critique a wide range of philosophical and historical ideas. His analysis illuminates the tensions and contradictions inherent in historicism, such as the struggle to reconcile the uniqueness of historical events with the search for general historical laws. He also delves into the implications of historicism for the understanding of national identity and moral values, an exploration that remains relevant to contemporary debates in historiography.
However, the book's dense and complex nature may pose a challenge for readers. Meinecke's writing is demanding, requiring not only familiarity with the key figures and concepts of 19th and early 20th-century German philosophy but also a willingness to engage with intricate philosophical arguments. Moreover, some critics argue that Meinecke's focus on German thinkers and traditions limits the book's scope, potentially overlooking the broader European and global context of historicist thought.
“Friedrich Meinecke's "Historicism" is a landmark work that offers a comprehensive and critical examination of a major intellectual movement in modern history. Its insightful analysis and depth make it an essential text for students and scholars of history, philosophy, and the humanities. While its complexity and focus may limit its accessibility, the book remains a vital contribution to our understanding of how historical thinking has shaped and been shaped by the broader currents of intellectual history.
GPT
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews