Does history have a meaning over and above the particular events and processes that make it up? Join this course to consider key issues and texts in this important area of philosophical debate.
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Does history have a meaning? In this course we shall consider positive answers to this question, from early Christian thinkers to Hegel and Marx, and will consider whether it remains credible to think of history as having a meaning.
What will we cover?
The question whether history as a whole has meaning, structure, or direction, over and above the particular events and processes that make it up has been an important area of philosophical debate. In exploring this question, we shall start by looking at the first large-scale attempts to think about human history as a meaningful whole in the works of early Christian thinkers, notably Eusebius of Caesarea and Saint Augustine. We shall then examine modern secular variations on these claims in the works of Hegel, Comte, and Marx. We shall conclude by examining twentieth century critiques of these modern narratives in the work of the German thinkers Carl Schmitt and Karl Löwith.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Demonstrate an understanding of the key issues in the philosophy of history
· Use and explain key concepts in debate about the philosophy of history, notably ‘preparation for the gospel’, Hegel’s dialectic, and Marx’s dialectical materialism.
· Understand the arguments of core texts in the genre of the philosophy of history, notably Eusebius of Caesarea’s Praeparatio Evangelica, Augustine’s City of God, Hegel’s Phenomenology of Spirit, and Marx’s Communist Manifesto and German Ideology.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
No previous knowledge of philosophy or the history of political thought is necessary, but an interest in these subjects is assumed. Some of the texts are quite difficult in places and will require some patience in reading. In general, an open-minded attitude and a willingness to listen to and consider different views with which you may not always agree will enhance your enjoyment of this course, as well as the benefit you derive from it.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The course will be taught through tutor presentations, seminar discussions and the consideration of a number of core texts. Work outside the class will not be essential, but it will be desirable for students to read the core texts (or specified excerpts from those texts) in advance of class. Otherwise, an open mind and a willingness to listen to, and think about, views with which you may disagree are more important than specific levels of skills.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
It will not be essential to purchase the core texts for the course, but all are easily available in affordable editions, and should also be accessible online. The tutor will be able to distribute extracts for discussions if necessary. Otherwise, you will just need material for making notes.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Please see the Culture, History and Humanities sections of the City Lit website for full details of forthcoming courses in philosophy, religion and history of ideas.
We’re sorry. We don’t have a bio ready for the tutor of this class at the moment, but we’re working on it! Watch this space.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/the-philosophy-of-history2989910The philosophy of historyhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/philosophy-reading-HP129-1024.jpg149149GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Philosophy, religion, & ideas/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Philosophy, religion, & ideas/The history of ideas22851177140414231228511771404<p>Does history have a meaning over and above the particular events and processes that make it up? Join this course to consider key issues and texts in this important area of philosophical debate.</p>002989898The philosophy of history149149https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/philosophy-reading-HP129-1024.jpgInStockEveningThuKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-04-23T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allApr 2026Culture, history & humanitiesHP288149149The philosophy of history14997149Joseph Streeterthe-philosophy-of-history/hp288-2526<p>Does history have a meaning over and above the particular events and processes that make it up? Join this course to consider key issues and texts in this important area of philosophical debate.</p>0000-Available|2026-04-23 00:00:00<p>Does history have a meaning? In this course we shall consider positive answers to this question, from early Christian thinkers to Hegel and Marx, and will consider whether it remains credible to think of history as having a meaning.</p><p>Does history have a meaning over and above the particular events and processes that make it up? Join this course to consider key issues and texts in this important area of philosophical debate.</p><p>The question whether history as a whole has meaning, structure, or direction, over and above the particular events and processes that make it up has been an important area of philosophical debate. In exploring this question, we shall start by looking at the first large-scale attempts to think about human history as a meaningful whole in the works of early Christian thinkers, notably Eusebius of Caesarea and Saint Augustine. We shall then examine modern secular variations on these claims in the works of Hegel, Comte, and Marx. We shall conclude by examining twentieth century critiques of these modern narratives in the work of the German thinkers Carl Schmitt and Karl Löwith.</p><p>Demonstrate an understanding of the key issues in the philosophy of history</p><p>· Use and explain key concepts in debate about the philosophy of history, notably ‘preparation for the gospel’, Hegel’s dialectic, and Marx’s dialectical materialism.</p><p>· Understand the arguments of core texts in the genre of the philosophy of history, notably Eusebius of Caesarea’s Praeparatio Evangelica, Augustine’s City of God, Hegel’s Phenomenology of Spirit, and Marx’s Communist Manifesto and German Ideology.</p><p>No previous knowledge of philosophy or the history of political thought is necessary, but an interest in these subjects is assumed. Some of the texts are quite difficult in places and will require some patience in reading. In general, an open-minded attitude and a willingness to listen to and consider different views with which you may not always agree will enhance your enjoyment of this course, as well as the benefit you derive from it.</p><p>The course will be taught through tutor presentations, seminar discussions and the consideration of a number of core texts. Work outside the class will not be essential, but it will be desirable for students to read the core texts (or specified excerpts from those texts) in advance of class. Otherwise, an open mind and a willingness to listen to, and think about, views with which you may disagree are more important than specific levels of skills.</p><p>It will not be essential to purchase the core texts for the course, but all are easily available in affordable editions, and should also be accessible online. The tutor will be able to distribute extracts for discussions if necessary. Otherwise, you will just need material for making notes.</p><p>Please see the Culture, History and Humanities sections of the City Lit website for full details of forthcoming courses in philosophy, religion and history of ideas.</p>Philosophy, religion, & ideasThe history of ideasvirtual14914997HP288NONEThu23/04/26 - 28/05/2618:00 - 19:3018:0019:306 sessions (over 6 weeks)65-10 weeksEveningWeekdayKSKeeley StreetJoseph StreeterBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2026-04-23T00:00:00+00:00Apr 2026Culture, history & humanities149149The philosophy of historythe-philosophy-of-history/hp288-2526<p>Does history have a meaning over and above the particular events and processes that make it up? Join this course to consider key issues and texts in this important area of philosophical debate.</p>0000-Available|2026-04-23 00:00:00<p>Does history have a meaning? In this course we shall consider positive answers to this question, from early Christian thinkers to Hegel and Marx, and will consider whether it remains credible to think of history as having a meaning.</p><p>Does history have a meaning over and above the particular events and processes that make it up? Join this course to consider key issues and texts in this important area of philosophical debate.</p><p>The question whether history as a whole has meaning, structure, or direction, over and above the particular events and processes that make it up has been an important area of philosophical debate. In exploring this question, we shall start by looking at the first large-scale attempts to think about human history as a meaningful whole in the works of early Christian thinkers, notably Eusebius of Caesarea and Saint Augustine. We shall then examine modern secular variations on these claims in the works of Hegel, Comte, and Marx. We shall conclude by examining twentieth century critiques of these modern narratives in the work of the German thinkers Carl Schmitt and Karl Löwith.</p><p>Demonstrate an understanding of the key issues in the philosophy of history</p><p>· Use and explain key concepts in debate about the philosophy of history, notably ‘preparation for the gospel’, Hegel’s dialectic, and Marx’s dialectical materialism.</p><p>· Understand the arguments of core texts in the genre of the philosophy of history, notably Eusebius of Caesarea’s Praeparatio Evangelica, Augustine’s City of God, Hegel’s Phenomenology of Spirit, and Marx’s Communist Manifesto and German Ideology.</p><p>No previous knowledge of philosophy or the history of political thought is necessary, but an interest in these subjects is assumed. Some of the texts are quite difficult in places and will require some patience in reading. In general, an open-minded attitude and a willingness to listen to and consider different views with which you may not always agree will enhance your enjoyment of this course, as well as the benefit you derive from it.</p><p>The course will be taught through tutor presentations, seminar discussions and the consideration of a number of core texts. Work outside the class will not be essential, but it will be desirable for students to read the core texts (or specified excerpts from those texts) in advance of class. Otherwise, an open mind and a willingness to listen to, and think about, views with which you may disagree are more important than specific levels of skills.</p><p>It will not be essential to purchase the core texts for the course, but all are easily available in affordable editions, and should also be accessible online. The tutor will be able to distribute extracts for discussions if necessary. Otherwise, you will just need material for making notes.</p><p>Please see the Culture, History and Humanities sections of the City Lit website for full details of forthcoming courses in philosophy, religion and history of ideas.</p>Philosophy, religion, & ideasThe history of ideasconfigurable
14231404The history of ideashttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/philosophy-religion-belief/the-history-of-ideas1/2/285/1177/1404/14231/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Philosophy, religion, & ideas/The history of ideas
