Historicists are guilty of intellectual hubris from "summary" of The Poverty of Historicism by Karl Popper
The belief that historical prediction is possible is one that has been widely held among historicists. They have claimed to be able to predict the future course of history based on their understanding of historical processes. However, this belief is founded on a dangerous assumption: that history follows predetermined laws that can be discovered and used to make accurate predictions. This assumption is not only unfounded but also dangerous, as it leads historicists to overestimate their own ability to understand and control historical processes. Historicists are guilty of intellectual hubris because they believe that they possess knowledge that is beyond their reach. They believe that they can understand history in its entirety and use this knowledge to predict the future course of events. This hubris is dangerous because it blinds historicists to the inherent complexity and unpredictability of historical processes. History is not a closed system governed by immutable laws; it is a dynamic and ever-changing process that is shaped by countless individual decisions and actions. By claiming to have knowledge of historical laws and processes, historicists elevate themselves to the position of omniscient observers who can see and understand everything. This belief in their own intellectual superiority leads them to dismiss alternative perspectives and to ignore the limitations of their own knowledge. It also leads them to make grandiose claims about their ability to predict the future, despite the fact that history is full of surprises and unforeseen events. Historicism is based on the false premise that history is deterministic and predictable. This belief is not only unfounded but also dangerous, as it can lead to misguided attempts to control and shape historical processes. By rejecting historicism and embracing a more humble and cautious approach to the study of history, we can avoid the pitfalls of intellectual hubris and gain a deeper and more nuanced understanding of the complexities of the past.
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