2018 Volume 28 Issue 1 Pages 19-35
Wilhelm Ostwald's attempt at applying his energetics to cultural phenomena implied three crucial aspects: first, in terms of ontology, he argued for monism; second, in terms of methodology, he, quite consequently, argued for naturalism; third, in historical terms, he drew on Auguste Comte's conception of a "pyramid of the sciences." In the paper, it will be shown how the integration of these three aspects led Ostwald to the formulation of a comprehensive energetic theory of culture. Furthermore, Max Weber's critique of Ostwald's theory will be discussed and judged as overdrawn. On the whole, it will turn out that Ostwald's energetic theory of culture is worth being reconsidered.
