Der Fortschrittsglaube

Geschichte einer europäischen Idee

By (author) Bedrich Loewenstein

Book cover: Der Fortschrittsglaube

Extent: 463 pages

Publisher: V&R unipress

Subjects: Twentieth- & Twenty-First- Century History

Language: German

Hardback (Out of print)

(March 2009)

ISBN: 9783899715217

6.46 x 9.69 inches

Price: $88.00

On back order

An outline of European historical thought from antiquity to the 20th century – nominated for the Leipzig Book Prize of 2010.


The belief in continual progress has played a central role in society for many hundreds of years now – both for supporters and detractors. But how much of that belief still exists today? This book offers an overview of the historical thought in Europe, from antiquity to the present day. In essay form it takes us on a sort of mental Odyssey, with the semantic construct of progress as our compass. The author is interested not only in the origins of this concept, but also the way its definition has changed throughout time and not the least the connection between the theoretical concept and actual practice. No patent answers void of history are conjured up for the search for progress today, nor for possible ways to escape an uncertain world. Practical problem-solving, however, may be able to provide more sharpness to the debate and realistically raise our awareness by looking at the paths belief in progress has taken in Europe. Bedrich Loewenstein combines intellectual, political, and culture-historical aspects in this volume. His interdisciplinary approach and European horizon distinguish his work. German text.

Bedrich Loewenstein, geb. 1929, ist Emeritus der Freien Universität Berlin, ein bekannter Prager Geisteswissenschaftler und einstiger Dissident.

  • By (author) Bedrich Loewenstein