The Poverty of Historicism

Hailed on publication in 1957 as 'probably the only book published this year that will outlive the century', this is a devastating criticism of the idea that there are fixed laws in history and that human beings are able to predict them.

"The Poverty of Historicism" is a devastating criticism of the idea that there are fixed laws in history and that human beings are able to predict them. Popper dedicated the book to all those "who fell victim to the fascist and communist belief in Inexorable Laws of Historical Destiny".

'Karl Popper was a philosopher of uncommon originality, clarity and depth, and his range was exceptional.' - The Times'One of the most influential thinkers of the 20th century.' - The Daily Telegraph'Popper's work is of far greater than mere academic value; it has an immediate and manifest bearing on the political decisions everyone has to make.' - The Listener'This is one of the three or four most important books of the methodology of the social sciences to appear since the war.' - New Statesman 'This is the theoretical companion to the better-known Open Society and Its Enemies. It puts paid to all attempts at futurology by pointing out that the future depends on new knowledge which by definition we do not have today.' - Samuel Brittan, The Week

Auteur

Karl Popper (1902-94). Philosopher, born in Vienna. One of the most influential and controversial thinkers of the twentieth century.

Texte du rabat

On its publication in 1957, The Poverty of Historicism was hailed by Arthur Koestler as 'probably the only book published this year which will outlive the century.' A devastating criticism of fixed and predictable laws in history, Popper dedicated the book to all those 'who fell victim to the fascist and communist belief in Inexorable Laws of Historical Destiny.' Short and beautifully written, it has inspired generations of readers, intellectuals and policy makers. One of the most important books on the social sciences since the Second World War, it is a searing insight into the ideas of this great thinker.

Résumé

On its publication in 1957, The Poverty of Historicism was hailed by Arthur Koestler as 'probably the only book published this year which will outlive the century.'
A devastating criticism of fixed and predictable laws in history, Popper dedicated the book to all those 'who fell victim to the fascist and communist belief in Inexorable Laws of Historical Destiny.' Short and beautifully written, it has inspired generations of readers, intellectuals and policy makers. One of the most important books on the social sciences since the Second World War, it is a searing insight into the ideas of this great thinker.

Contenu
HISTORICAL NOTE, PREFACE, Introduction, I The Anti-Naturalistic Doctrines of Historicism, II The Pro-Naturalistic Doctrines of Historicism, III Criticism of the Anti-Naturalistic Doctrines, IV Criticism of the Pro-Naturalistic Doctrines, INDEX