Jan Karol Kochanowski's Theory of Nation

• Authors: Szumera G.
• Languages of publication: PL

Abstracts

EN

The present article discusses theory of nation as founded by J.K. Kochanowski. In Polish philosophy his views have virtually become forgotten. Yet, his thinking seems to have much in common with the foundations of psychologism and sociologism, although it is the former which appears closer to his own views. In his philosophical 'oeuvre' we can find threads inspired by his reflection on a crowd. All historical facts he interprets are strongly connected with the psyche of nations. Kochanowski was interested in psychic differences that varied from nation to nation. He posited that a nation, likewise a man, is determined by the psyche, which is an illustration of this nation's or man's most fundamental features. Studying the history of a nation demonstrates, according to Kochanowski, that despite many similarities, there appear many significant differences in psychic predispositions that lead to a creation of separate national characters. Peoples' psyche is unchangeable and it is the source of the given groups' deeds and their psychic type. In his characteristics of a nation Kochanowski drew from romantic tradition. The philosopher joined in the stream of thought on the differences and similarities between Poles and other nations, exisitng in the period between the wars, which stressed such Polish characteristics as: individualism, love for freedom, tolerance. This line of thinking also underlined the unchangeability of a national character.

Keywords

EN

KOCHANOWSKI JAN KAROL - NATION'S THEORY

Discipline

• PHILOSOPHY: PHILOSOPHY

• Publisher: Institute of Philosophy and Sociology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Piotr Marciszuk Publishers 'STENTOR' and Printing House Elanders
• Journal: Archiwum Historii Filozofii i Mysli Spolecznej (Archives of the History of Philosophy and of Social Thought)
• Year: 2007
• Volume: 52
• Pages: 251-270
• Document type: ARTICLE

Contributors

author

Szumera G.

• G. Szumera, Uniwersytet Saski w Katowicach, ul. Bankowa 12, 40-007 Katowice, Poland

Identifiers

CEJSH db identifier

08PLAAAA04889278