Аннотация: This is the second part, and I sent the first part to the scientific conference 8th Finnish-Hungarian Seminar in Early Modern Philosophy (University of Heidelberg, Germany)
Karl Lamprecht (1856-1915), a pioneering German historian, introduced a groundbreaking framework for understanding historical development through his concept of psychological circles (psychologische Kreise). This model proposed that human perceptions evolve through five distinct stages, each characterized by a dominant psychological state that shapes societal behavior and cultural progress. Lamprecht"s theory, rooted in his cultural-historical approach (Kulturgeschichte), emphasized collective psychology (Volksseele) as a driving force in history. This essay examines Lamprecht"s five psychological circles, detailing their dominant characteristics, the reasons for transitions between them, and their chronological arrangement, as articulated in his works.
Keywords: Karl Lamprecht, psychological circles, collective psychology, cultural history, human perception, historiographical stages, Volksseele
Lamprecht"s concept of psychologische Kreise emerged from his belief that history is driven by collective mentalities rather than individual actions or political events. In Deutsche Geschichte (1891-1909), he outlined five stages of human perception-symbolism (Symbolismus), typism (Typismus), conventionalism (Konventionalismus), individualism (Individualismus), and subjectivism (Subjektivismus)-each reflecting a distinct psychological orientation that evolves over time (Lamprecht 1891: 42). These stages were not merely descriptive but served as a chronological framework for understanding cultural and societal development, particularly in the context of German history.
The first stage, Symbolismus (symbolism), is characterized by a reliance on symbolic and mythical thinking. In this stage, human perception is dominated by intuitive and religious interpretations of the world, where symbols and rituals shape collective behavior (Lamprecht 1891: 43). People adhere to this stage in early historical periods, such as the early Middle Ages, due to limited scientific understanding and a need to explain natural and social phenomena melalui shared myths. Lamprecht placed Symbolismus in the pre-1000 CE era, associating it with tribal and early Christian societies where collective rituals unified communities (Chickering 1993: 89).
The second stage, transition to Typismus (typism) occurs as societies develop more structured social and economic systems, typically around the high Middle Ages (1000-1300 CE). This stage is marked by a focus on standardized roles and archetypes, with perception dominated by rigid social norms and hierarchical structures (Lamprecht 1891: 45). People move to this stage as urbanization and trade necessitate clearer social roles, reducing reliance on symbolic explanations. Lamprecht saw Typismus in the emergence of feudal systems and guild structures, where collective identity was tied to fixed societal roles (Chickering 1993: 90).
The third stage, Konventionalismus (conventionalism), emerges with the growth of centralized institutions and formalized traditions, roughly spanning the late Middle Ages to the early modern period (1300-1600 CE). Here, perception is dominated by adherence to conventions and established norms, reflecting a society bound by legal and religious frameworks (Lamprecht, 1891, p. 47). This shift occurs as societies seek stability through codified laws and institutions, driven by the expansion of commerce and bureaucratic governance. Lamprecht associated this stage with the Renaissance and early Reformation, where conventions shaped cultural and intellectual life (Burke 2004: 38).
The fourth stage, Individualismus (individualism), marks a significant shift toward self-awareness and personal agency, which Lamprecht placed in the early modern to modern period (1600-1800 CE). In this stage, human perception prioritizes individual rights, creativity, and rational inquiry, driven by the Enlightenment and the rise of bourgeois society (Lamprecht 1891: 49). People transition to this stage as economic growth and intellectual movements encourage personal autonomy and critical thinking. Lamprecht viewed the Enlightenment as the pinnacle of Individualismus, where individual contributions shaped cultural and scientific advancements (Chickering 1993: 92).
The final stage, Subjektivismus (subjectivism), reflects a turn inward, with perception dominated by subjective experience and emotional introspection, emerging in the modern era (post-1800 CE). This stage is characterized by a focus on personal feelings and psychological complexity, influenced by romanticism and industrial society"s alienating effects (Lamprecht 1891: 51). People reach this stage as industrialization and urbanization prompt introspection and existential questioning. Lamprecht saw Subjektivismus as the culmination of historical development, evident in 19th-century cultural movements (Burke 2004: 40).
Lamprecht"s chronological arrangement of these stages was not strictly linear but cyclical, suggesting that societies could revisit earlier psychological states under certain conditions (Chickering 1993: 94). His framework sparked debate, particularly during the Methodenstreit, as critics argued that his psychological generalizations lacked empirical rigor (Chickering, 1993, p. 103). Nevertheless, Lamprecht"s psychologische Kreise offered a novel lens for understanding historical change, emphasizing the interplay between collective psychology and cultural evolution. His integration of psychological insights into historiography influenced later interdisciplinary approaches, cementing his legacy as a visionary historian.
Conclusions
Karl Lamprecht"s framework of psychological circles (psychologische Kreise) represents a bold and innovative contribution to historiography, redefining how historians conceptualize the evolution of human perception. By proposing five distinct stages-Symbolismus, Typismus, Konventionalismus, Individualismus, and Subjektivismus-Lamprecht offered a dynamic model that prioritized collective psychology (Volksseele) over traditional political narratives (Lamprecht 1891: 42). This approach not only challenged the Rankean paradigm but also anticipated modern interdisciplinary methodologies, bridging early modern historical thought with contemporary cultural history (Kulturgeschichte).
The significance of Lamprecht"s psychologische Kreise lies in its emphasis on the interplay between societal structures and collective mentalities. Each stage, from the myth-driven Symbolismus to the introspective Subjektivismus, reflects a unique psychological orientation that shapes cultural and historical development (Lamprecht 1891: 51). By tracing these stages chronologically, Lamprecht provided a framework that accounted for both continuity and change, suggesting that human perception evolves in response to socio-economic and cultural shifts (Chickering 1993: 94). His cyclical view of history, where societies could revisit earlier psychological states, added a layer of complexity that enriched historical analysis.
Lamprecht"s work sparked significant debate, particularly during the Methodenstreit, where critics questioned the empirical validity of his psychological generalizations (Chickering 1993: 103). Yet, this controversy underscores the transformative nature of his ideas, which pushed historians to consider broader social and psychological forces. His integration of insights from psychology and sociology into historiography paved the way for later schools of thought, such as the Annales School, which similarly emphasized long-term cultural and social trends (Burke 2004: 56).
In conclusion, Lamprecht"s psychologische Kreise remain a testament to his visionary approach to cultural history. By foregrounding collective psychology and human perception, he expanded the scope of historical inquiry, encouraging historians to explore the underlying forces that shape societies. His legacy endures in the continued relevance of interdisciplinary methods, making his work a cornerstone for understanding the evolution of historiographical stages and their impact on modern historical scholarship.
References:
Burke, P. (2004). What is cultural history? Polity Press.
Chickering, R. (1993). Karl Lamprecht: A German academic life (1856-1915). Humanities Press.
Lamprecht, K. (1891). Deutsche Geschichte (Vol. 1). Verlag von R. Oldenbourg.