The lectures comprised in this volume constitute an endeavor "to discover in what sense the idea of purpose in history is appropriate." It is contended that history is pluralistic, having many practically disconnected strands, so that there are in fact as many histories as there are interests. Historic evolution is presented in Bergsonian fashion as a continuous creative process in which surviving elements are temporarily reshaped, but in which there is no unity, direction, beginning, or goal except what may be arbitrarily ...
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The lectures comprised in this volume constitute an endeavor "to discover in what sense the idea of purpose in history is appropriate." It is contended that history is pluralistic, having many practically disconnected strands, so that there are in fact as many histories as there are interests. Historic evolution is presented in Bergsonian fashion as a continuous creative process in which surviving elements are temporarily reshaped, but in which there is no unity, direction, beginning, or goal except what may be arbitrarily assumed by the acceptance of some limited point of view. Historic continuity is, however, emphasized, but the danger into which evolutionists fall of confusing continuity with causation is clearly pointed out. And a degree of purpose, humanly speaking, is admitted in that man in the pursuit of spiritual ends may seek to round out to some fulfillment certain traditional tendencies. The book is an able presentation of the trend of philosophic thinking as applied to the interpretation of history. Its thesis is in contrast, however, with the later point of view of the social sciences, which looks with more favor on an interpretation of social evolution as a convergence toward "one far-off divine event" in the form of the eventual realization of social ideals.
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Add this copy of The Purpose of History to cart. $25.00, very good condition, Sold by Between the Covers-Rare Books rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Gloucester City, NJ, UNITED STATES, published 1965 by Kennikat.
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Very Good. Very good hardcover. Reprint of 1916 edition. Covers lightly rubbed and scraped, minor fraying along spine. Please Note: This book has been transferred to Between the Covers from another database and might not be described to our usual standards. Please inquire for more detailed condition information.
Add this copy of The Purpose of History to cart. $53.62, good condition, Sold by Bonita rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Newport Coast, CA, UNITED STATES, published 2016 by Palala Press.
