Konstanty Michalski (1879-1947) and His Philosophy of History
Konstanty Michalski (1879-1947) and His Philosophy of History

Summary/Abstract: In our study on the historiosophical views of Konstanty Michalski, we need to sketch the philosophical area his philosophy of history referred to. Within the scope of the above research not only Michalski’s philosophical erudition becomes evident, but also I will answer the question about his metaphysical or anthropological grounds. The easiest method to settle the above matter would be a research on where and in what atmosphere Michalski gained his philosophical education. Michalski’s views were influenced by philosophy (in its Thomistic version) studied in Louvain and he himself – as we may suggest – is a typical representative of the Louvanian Thomism1 . And although it will not allow to trace a detailed genealogy of his views, conducted research may help explain a compilation of philosophical insights, including the area of historiosophy, worked out by him. Thus, in his historiosophical thought, he combines the views of St. Augustin, St. Thomas, and Dante, with the approaches of the modern philosophers: Leibniz2 , Condorcet or Hegel. Moreover, he drew from some contemporary historiosophical thinkers such as O. Spann, O. Spengler, or G. Simmel3 . The long list of authors who were an inspiration for historiosophy of Michalski, would raise doubts as to the integrity of a system he initiated. This, consequently, can raise a question of whether his philosophy of history is more of a worldview, and therefore, cannot be scientifically proved. It seems hence, that we would be able to explain this issue only after a deep analysis of the philosophy of history worked out and expressed by Michalski.

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