The four meanings of “cause”: on Droysen’s Hermeneutics and Aristotle’s Theory of Causality

Abstract

This article focuses on Johann G. Droysen’s theory of interpretation in order to elucidate some important aspects of his theory of history (Historik). More specifically, it intends to show how the Aristotelian theory of causality structures the second half of the Historik, the Systematik – where we find the “historical mode of existence”, as defined by Hayden White –, and how it connects to the four stages of Droysen’s theory of interpretation. It will be shown how Aristotle’s metaphysical philosophy inspires a singular understanding of historical thinking, which without denying it as a mode of representation also encompasses Droysen’s openly professed presentism. Finally, it will be pointed out that this philosophy provides the main support for Droysen’s idea that History should be founded upon Ethics.