Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

historism

noun

/hɪsˈtɔːrɪzəm/

Definition

Historism is a theory in historiography that emphasizes the importance of historical context in shaping knowledge and social phenomena.

Examples

The idea of historism can be seen in how different cultures interpret their pasts.
In the debate about historical interpretation, some scholars advocate for a historism approach, highlighting local nuances.
Historism provides a framework that prevents anachronistic thinking in historical analysis.

Meaning

Historism suggests that events and ideas can only be understood within their specific historical context, and it opposes the notion that history can be interpreted solely through universal principles.