Bedrich Loewenstein
Der Fortschrittsglaube
Geschichte einer europäischen Idee
1. Edition 2009
463 pages
ISBN 978-3-89971-521-7
V&R unipress
plus S&H
Book
The belief in progress played a central role in the past 200 years for both its followers and its opponents. But how much of its lustre is still visible today? This book outlines European historical thought from antiquity to the 20th century, offering through a series of essays an inventory and an odyssey-like trip with the semantic construct of progress serving as compass.
When searching for progress today – in light of many productive ways of escaping from an uncertain world – there are no panaceas absent of history. Practical problem-solving, however, may show us the way to reflect on the paths European belief in progress has taken and lead to a better understanding of this phenomenon.
Bedrich Loewenstein combines intellectual and political history with cultural history. His interdisciplinary approach and European horizon distinquish this work.