The Poverty of Historicism

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.

Historical Note

ix

Preface

xi

Introduction

1

(3)

I The Anti-Naturalistic Doctrines of Historicism

4

(27)

Generalization

5

(2)

Experiment

7

(1)

Novelty

8

(2)

Complexity

10

(1)

Inexactitude of Prediction

11

(1)

Objectivity and Valuation

12

(3)

Holism

15

(2)

Intuitive Understanding

17

(4)

Quantitative Methods

21

(2)

Essentialism versus Nominalism

23

(8)

II The Pro-Naturalistic Doctrines of Historicism

31

(19)

Comparison with Astronomy. Long-Term Forecasts and Large-Scale Forecasts

32

(2)

The Observational Basis

34

(1)

Social Dynamics

35

(1)

Historical Laws

36

(1)

Historical Prophecy versus Social Engineering

37

(3)

The Theory of Historical Development

40

(4)

Interpreting versus Planning Social Change

44

(2)

Conclusion of the Analysis

46

(4)

III Criticism of the Anti-Naturalistic Doctrines

50

(46)

Practical Aims of this Criticism

50

(3)

The Technological Approach to Sociology

53

(5)

Piecemeal versus Utopian Engineering

58

(7)

The Unholy Alliance with Utopianism

65

(5)

Criticism of Holism

70

(6)

The Holistic Theory of Social Experiments

76

(9)

The Variability of Experimental Conditions

85

(4)

Are Generalizations Confined to Periods?

89

(7)

IV Criticism of the Pro-Naturalistic Doctrines

96

(54)

Is there a Law of Evolution? Laws and Trends

96

(14)

The Method of Reduction. Causal Explanation. Prediction and Prophecy

110

(10)

The Unity of Method

120

(12)

Theoretical and Historical Sciences

132

(4)

Situational Logic in History Historical Interpretation

136

(5)

The Institutional Theory of Progress

141

(7)

Conclusion. The Emotional Appeal of Historicism

148

(2)

Index

150

What is included with this book?

The New copy of this book will include any supplemental materials advertised. Please check the title of the book to determine if it should include any access cards, study guides, lab manuals, CDs, etc.

The Used, Rental and eBook copies of this book are not guaranteed to include any supplemental materials. Typically, only the book itself is included. This is true even if the title states it includes any access cards, study guides, lab manuals, CDs, etc.

FREE SHIPPING

Amazon no longer offers textbook rentals. We do!

The Poverty of Historicism

Summary

Table of Contents

Supplemental Materials