They do not account for the complexity and unpredictability of human behavior from "summary" of The Poverty of Historicism by Karl Popper
The proponents of historicism tend to oversimplify the complexities of human behavior by attempting to predict and control historical processes. They believe that by studying past events and identifying patterns, they can accurately forecast future developments. However, they fail to recognize the inherent unpredictability and intricacies of human actions. Human behavior is not deterministic but rather influenced by a multitude of factors that are constantly changing and evolving. People make decisions based on a variety of motives and circumstances, making it nearly impossible to accurately predict their actions. This complexity is often overlooked by historicists who prefer to rely on rigid theories and generalizations. Furthermore, human behavior is highly unpredictable due to the unique nature of each individual. People have different backgrounds, experiences, beliefs, and values that shape their decisions and actions. This diversity makes it challenging to develop universal theories that can accurately account for the complexities of human behavior. Historicists also fail to consider the role of free will in human behavior. Individuals have the ability to make choices and change their course of action, which further complicates any attempts to predict their behavior. This element of unpredictability is often ignored by historicists who prefer to believe in the determinism of historical processes.- The concept of historicism does not adequately address the complexity and unpredictability of human behavior. By oversimplifying the intricacies of human actions and relying on rigid theories, historicists fail to recognize the unique and unpredictable nature of individual behavior. This oversight undermines their ability to accurately predict and control historical processes.
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