Historical Teleology

Historical teleology is the idea that events in history have a purpose or end goal that guides their development. In narrative and historical explanation, it suggests that we interpret past events as moving toward a specific outcome or ideal. This approach can provide coherence to historical narratives, implying that history is not random but shaped by overarching trends or forces. However, critics argue that it can oversimplify complex events and overlook the influence of chance and human agency, leading to interpretations that may not accurately reflect the realities of history.