This chapter is an introduction to the work of Johann Martin Chladenius (1710–59), who is the grandfather of German historicism. An introductory section discusses his early reputation and later revival. The second section is an examination of his hermeneutics, his theory of textual interpretation. The next five sections are devoted to Chladenius's historics, i.e., his theory of history. They consider his views on the scientific status of history, his perspectivalism, and his response to historical skepticism.

This chapter is an introduction to the work of Johann Martin Chladenius (1710–59), who is the grandfather of German historicism. An introductory section discusses his early reputation and later revival. The second section is an examination of his hermeneutics, his theory of textual interpretation. The next five sections are devoted to Chladenius's historics, i.e., his theory of history. They consider his views on the scientific status of history, his perspectivalism, and his response to historical skepticism.