What does it really mean to study ideas across time, and why does it matter now? In this Q&A, City Lit tutor Claire Allen introduces the History of Ideas - an interdisciplinary field that traces how concepts such as freedom, morality, shame and conscience have evolved in response to culture, politics and society.
From its Enlightenment roots to its relevance for navigating today’s complex world, she explains what students can expect from City Lit’s growing programme and why this way of thinking has never been more important.
What do we mean by “History of Ideas”?
History of ideas is the study of human thought and intellectual history across time. It is an area we have recently begun to develop within the Philosophy area at City Lit.
It’s been around for some time as a discipline: with its roots in the study of intellectual thought, cultural history and the history of philosophy going back to the Enlightenment, ‘History of Ideas’ in its modern incarnation was coined as a term by the American philosopher and intellectual historian Arthur Lovejoy in the 1940s.
How does the History of Ideas differ from traditional History and Philosophy courses?
History of Ideas is a subject area with its fingers in many pies! That, of course, is where its appeal lies. Its interdisciplinary nature takes in philosophy, politics, history, the arts, literature and culture, and focuses on the development and unfolding of specific ideas and concepts over time and across the boundaries of more traditional, discrete subject areas.
This ‘interdisciplinarity’ can be seen as one way in which the complex challenges of the 21st century can be approached and engaged with more deeply.
Interdisciplinarity has become a bit of a buzzword in recent years, but in a rapidly-changing, increasingly divisive world, an approach that values collaboration and builds bridges has got to be worth pursuing. History of Ideas provides us with just such an opportunity!
Why is it valuable to study the development of ideas across time?
‘Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.’ As this much-paraphrased quote from the Spanish philosopher George Santayana remind us, humans stand to learn a great deal from the past that is essential for progress.
In history of ideas, studying the development of ideas across time gives us the long view, helps us to contextualise and understand, to identify trends and repeating cycles.
Ideas are shaped by society, culture, politics, war, revolution. It is in hindsight that the ‘bigger picture’ – the complex interplay between context and idea - emerges most clearly, and what we learn from the past can shed much-needed light on the complex challenges of the contemporary world.
What kinds of topics are covered in City Lit’s history of ideas courses?
City Lit’s history of ideas courses cover a wide range of topics. To give an example, courses that have run recently include a critical introduction to security and surveillance; history of ideas in maths and engineering; believing and belonging; the genealogy of morality; and the art and science of politeness.
Forthcoming course topics include descent and renewal in mythology and psychology; shame; the notion of freedom; religious toleration; pessimism; abolition democracy; the industrial revolution; love; and conscience.
How are the courses structured: lectures, discussions, online or in-person?
Courses are delivered as a blend of tutor input or a short interactive lecture followed by discussion in whole and small groups. Students are encouraged to share their thoughts and ideas with the tutors and each other.
Courses are delivered in a range of formats, from short, two-hour introductions to longer six- or eight-week commitments, at a range of day and evening timeslots, with a mixture of online and in-person choices.
What skills or perspectives do students gain from these courses?
Critical thinking and the ability to engage more deeply with complex ideas are just two of the skills students can gain from these courses.
In addition, through sharing their ideas and interpretations and listening to others doing the same, students can expect to broaden their own perspectives.
What would you say to someone who’s curious but unsure about joining?
If you don’t want to commit to one of the longer history of ideas courses, you can dip a toe in the water and sign up for a one-off course or taster class.
Which upcoming courses in the series are you most excited about?
History of Ideas is a new and developing area at City Lit, so I’m pretty excited about all the forthcoming courses! The majority of them are brand new to City Lit and I hope they will help to enrich what is on offer to students in the philosophy programme and provide learners with the opportunity to try something new.
How do you see the history of ideas courses evolving in the future?
I’m hoping to increase the number of History of Ideas courses at the college, with more short taster-style options as well as an increased range of longer courses, and perhaps some one-off lunchtime lectures and Friday Lates for those people with busy lives who want to find a bit of space in the working week for learning something new.
Why should students choose City Lit to explore these themes?
City Lit offers a community of learning in the heart of London, and with courses offered both in-person and online, you don’t even need to live in London to join us. Our tutors are experts in their fields, and their classes – both online and in person – offer you the chance to join a group of like-minded people, contribute your voice to the debate and hear what others have to say.
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Explore how ideas shape the world we live in – discover City Lit’s hHistory of Ideas courses.
