Georg Simmel: Three Forms of Individualism and Historical Understanding

Abstract

Research Article| February 01 2010 Georg Simmel: Three Forms of Individualism and Historical Understanding Efraim Podoksik Efraim Podoksik Search for other works by this author on: This Site Google New German Critique (2010) 37 (1 (109)): 119–145. https://doi.org/10.1215/0094033X-2009-020 Cite Icon Cite Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Permissions Search Site Citation Efraim Podoksik; Georg Simmel: Three Forms of Individualism and Historical Understanding. New German Critique 1 February 2010; 37 (1 (109)): 119–145. doi: https://doi.org/10.1215/0094033X-2009-020 Download citation file: Zotero Reference Manager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search Books & JournalsAll JournalsNew German Critique Search Advanced Search It is a common perception that the distinction between quantitative and qualitative individualism constitutes the basis of Georg Simmel's theory of individualism. Yet, by analyzing Simmel's writings on individualism and juxtaposing them with his theory of historical understanding, this article argues that Simmel formulated three, not two, forms of individualism, although the third one appears only in his later writings. This third variant is a certain radicalization of qualitative individualism, though it is a radicalization that transcends separate individuality and moves toward the notion of totality. The text of this article is only available as a PDF. © 2010 by New German Critique, Inc.2010 Issue Section: Articles You do not currently have access to this content.