The Historical Method of Johann Gustav Droysen (1808-1884)

This book presents the main ideas of the philosophies of history historicism and Johann Gustav Droysen's contribution to the processes of scientification of history. The first chapter discusses the central ideas of Kant and Hegel who present philosophical and teleological ideas for history pointing to a perfect end in which society would move towards achieving an ideal state. The second chapter addresses the foundations of historicism characterising it as a refutation of philosophies whereby historicists claim that history is something concrete and precise leaving aside speculative philosophies. The third chapter maintains the importance of Droysen's comprehensive method as well as its importance and contribution in the field of historical theory.