Events, Periods, and Institutions in Historians' Language
Robert Stalnaker
Historians and meta-historians have sometimes been guilty of loose talk about the Weltgeist glib references to inflated forces factors. One might infer from some quasi-historical writings that things like Enlightenment, German Character, Bourgeoisie, Spirit Liberty, Nationalism existed acted independently actions individual men. More toughminded historians philosophers objected this kind history, because it seemed make unhappy metaphysical assumptions, was alleged involve a denial free will offensive moral implications, just judged vague sloppy historical writing. There is temptation in face too use certain kinds expressions generalize abuses lay down an abstract philosophical criterion with which divide good history bad. It has argued, for example, by defenders thesis or rather tangle related theses goes name individualism terms refer men concrete objects properties dispositions can be distinguished purported names characteristics such problematical as events, periods, institutions, forces, factors, movements, nations, spirits, social classes. Various restrictions on latter proposed methodological individualists, including, strongest form thesis, requirement all so-called wholes given strict definitions first category. The several formulations, generated lively debate, but one carried largely abstract. I shall argue paper no general prohibition against holistic justified, distinction between legitimate illegitimate uses problem than methodologists must handled case case. Further, contend, does not, general, pernicious consequences individualists.
History and Theory