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historicism

The definition of historicism is the belief that history was determined by laws, and the belief that understanding people and cultures requires an understanding of their historical events.

(noun)

An example of historicism is the belief that what happened 100 years ago was meant to happen and shapes what is happening today.

See historicism in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

a theory of history holding that the course of events is determined by unchangeable laws or cyclic patterns
the theory that the only true understanding of a person, society, historical period, etc. comes about through knowledge of its history
a reliance on historical precedents in the practice of art, architecture, music, etc.

Related Forms:

historicist noun, adjective

See historicism in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

A theory that events are determined or influenced by conditions and inherent processes beyond the control of humans.
A theory that stresses the significant influence of history as a criterion of value.
Art & Architecture The deliberate use or revival of historical styles in contemporary works.
Philosophy The view that historical periods should be studied without imposing anachronistic categories of evaluation.

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