Psych 397 Chapter 1

Front 1

Chaos Hypothesis

Back 1

The belief that there is no pattern or direction in history. History has no meaning except that attributed to it by humans.

Front 2

Cyclical Hypothesis

Back 2

The belief that history can be understood in terms of cycles. For example, it might be argued that freedom is lost, only to be regained and lost again; thus, there is endless repetition

Front 3

Great-Person Theory

Back 3

The view that unique individuals play a causal role in history. Contrast with Zeitgeist and Ortgeist

Front 4

Herodotus (c.484-c.425 BCE)

Back 4

First great Greek historian to write history with an emphasis on natural rather than supernatural causes

Front 5

Historiography

Back 5

The writing of history along with the study of the methodological and philosophical issues that are pertinent to the work of the historian

Front 6

History

Back 6

The interpretive study of the events of the human past

Front 7

Linear-Progressive Hypothesis

Back 7

A view of history marked by belief in the inevitable growth and progress of human knowledge and institutions

Front 8

Objectivity in History

Back 8

An attitude of the historical researcher marked by an attempt to present fairly all sides of an issue

Front 9

Ortgeist

Back 9

The spirit of the place. Contrasts with the great-person theory and emphasizes the importance of place and time (Zeitgeist) as conditions for the production and acceptance of new ideas.

Front 10

Presentism

Back 10

An orientation toward history emphasizing the pervasive influence of current prejudices on the interpretation of past events

Front 11

Thucydides (c.460-c.401 BCE)

Back 11

Greek historian and author of the History of the Peloponnesian War. He worked to achieve accurate naturalistic accounts of historical events

Front 12

Zeitgeist

Back 12

The spirit of the time. Contrasts with the great-person theory and emphasizes the importance of time and place (Ortgeist) as conditions for the production and acceptance of new ideas.