Abstract
Focused on the phrases used to name these sciences, this chapter gives an historical sketch of the development of modern human and social sciences in France. It highlights the importance of discipline formation and growing specialization, as well the recurrence of unifying projects counterbalancing this trend. Its central argument is that a moment of crystallization took place between 1770 and 1810, when the phrase “science de l’homme” took a new meaning. This founding moment for the human sciences coincided with the genesis of the political fundamentals of modern France. The convergence of these large-scale processes conferred on the project of building a body of scientific knowledge about man intellectual and political dimensions that have proved nondissociable. It bestowed specific characteristics on the “science de l’homme” or “sciences humaines et sociales,” which marked its fate in France and have persisted to the present day.Keywords“Science de l’homme”Discipline formationSpecializationUnity of the human and social sciencesScience/politics relation
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
