Contemporary Political Studies

Contemporary Political Studies

Conceptual History of Revolution: From Aristotle to Political Modernity

Document Type : .

Authors
Mahdi Panjalipour Kakeroudi 1
Reza Najafzadeh 2
1 Political science, Department of Economics and Political Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
2 Political Science, Department of Economics and Political Science, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
10.30465/cps.2024.48841.3389
Abstract
Abstract
In this article, we explore the historical development of the concept of revolution in the Western context by using Reinhart Koselleck's framework from the history of concepts. We aim to explain the complex historical moments by elaborating on the historical conditions. Revolution, as one of the basic concepts in the framework of history, represents the movement of history, similar to other basic concepts. We focus on demonstrating the multifaceted nature of revolution and uncovering how different historical moments influenced its semantic formulation. We argue that before the modern era, the concept of revolution was often used in a non-political sense, referring to eras and cycles of change. However, by the mid-16th century, the concept began to acquire a political meaning, signifying a return to the past or a reinterpretation of history. From the mid-18th century onwards, the concept of revolution has been associated with a linear, forward-looking perspective. In this article, we delve into the historical trajectory underlying this concept and examine the various moments of transformation that are embedded within the concept of revolution. These transformative moments can be revisited and reinterpreted based on the prevailing conditions.
Keywords: Conceptual History, Revolution, Circular Motion, Metabole, Political Modernity.
Introduction
In 1842, Hero pointed out that the term "revolution" actually refers to a return and a periodic movement back to the point of origin. The word "revolution" is derived from the Latin "revolutio," meaning change and displacement of an object, as well as a movement that returns to its origin. Originally used to describe the regular and periodic movement of celestial bodies, the term maintained this meaning in scientific usage. This refers to the predictable and regular movement of the stars, which is beyond human control and therefore seems inevitable. It is worth noting that, although the concept of revolution can encompass rebellion and upheaval, its literal meaning is that of a repeated, periodic movement (Therborn, 2008: xiv), as Therborn observes.
Most scholars argue that the modern understanding of revolution, particularly in its function and political significance, emerged during the modern era. In the pre-modern world, the political understanding of revolution, as we know it today, did not exist. This article aims to explore the historical development of the concept of "revolution" from ancient Greece to political modernity and the transformations it has undergone. By doing so, we can better understand the various possibilities inherent in this concept.
 
Materials and Methods
For our research, we used the library method to explore the historical context of the revolution by analyzing various texts and works. In this endeavor, Reinhart Koselleck's methodological framework, as mentioned by Glock & Kalhat in 2018, proved to be quite valuable for us. Conceptual history is an approach that involves analyzing language to study social conditions and relations, to understand history through concepts and examine their development and influence on the future. Concepts are like seeds planted in the past, growing and shaping the future. Koselleck's discussions emphasize the importance of fundamental concepts, not as mere records of the world, but as creators and shapers of the world.
 
Conclusion
The concept of revolution has evolved significantly over time. Initially, it was rooted in a cosmological and biological context and held theological implications. Terms like rebellion, defiance, and revolt were deeply connected to theological implications, especially during the publication of Copernicus's book when the word "revolution" was in conversation with the church.
The concept of revolution originally had a cyclical meaning, but gradually took on political implications and became intertwined with social and political realities in the 18th century, as proposed by Koselleck. The French Revolution is often seen as the onset of the modern era due to the transformation of the concept of revolution.
According to Koselleck, the modern concept of revolution has two key features: first, it represents a single break or interruption towards an unknown future, rather than a cycle or era. Second, it has a "metahistorical" status, transcending its natural meanings and referring not only to specific events in time, but also to the shape of time itself—an asymmetrical line of progress with an unknown future. The concept of revolution serves as a principle that regulates knowledge and is shaped by different power structures. It is significant in defining new problematic
Keywords
Conceptual History
Revolution
Circular Motion
Metabole
Political Modernity

Subjects

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Contemporary Political Studies
Volume 15, Issue 2
Summer 2024
Summer 2024
Pages 1-31