The Purpose of History

"The Purpose of History" by Frederick James Eugene Woodbridge is a philosophical treatise composed of three lectures delivered at the University of North Carolina, written in the early 20th century. The work explores the significance and implications of history, discussing how historical studies reflect the maturity of human thought and the philosophical inquiries they inspire regarding the nature of progress and purpose in human affairs. The author draws from contemporary philosophers like Bergson, Dewey, and Santayana to analyze the relationship between historical events and their ultimate meanings. At the start of the text, Woodbridge presents the idea that serious study of history indicates a desire for understanding life beyond mere experiences, suggesting an intellectual maturity. He elaborates on the notion that while history is often seen as a record of human deeds, it should also be perceived as a dynamic process that continually evolves with new interpretations and perspectives. By citing Herodotus, he introduces a framework for approaching history that recognizes its multifaceted character, emphasizing that comprehending history as purposeful and selective allows for a richer understanding of both it and humanity's place within it. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Frederick James Eugene Woodbridge was a teacher at various American universities. Woodbridge considered himself a naïve realist, deeply impressed with Santayana. He spent much of his career as a dean at Columbia University, where a residence hall and a professorship in philosophy are named in his honor. He was editor of the Journal of Philosophy, Psychology and Scientific Methods. David and Lillian Swenson, translators of some of the works of Søren Kierkegaard, dedicated Concluding Unscientific Postscript, (1941) to Professor Woodbridge.