A Reading of the Concept of the Historical Cycle in the Philosophy of "Giambattista Vico"

Abstract

The present study aims to examine Giambattista Vico’s perspective on the development of civilizations through successive stages, progressing from barbarism to intellectual and social refinement. It seeks to understand the impact of such cyclical process on the evolution of Human consciousness; and how history recurrently unfolds according to fixed laws.  The study employs an analytical and historical methodology, analyzing Vico’s ideas and examining their development over time while contextualizing them within historical events. This approach facilitates an understanding of the stages of civilizational development and the impact of historical cycles on philosophy and history. Through this study, it can be argued that Vico introduced a scientific methodology based on observation and experience while incorporating the element of divine providence. He emphasizes the role of humans as creators of history, focusing on the development of societies and their social and cultural structures rather than solely on wars and politics .It is recommended to further explore the influence of cultural and religious factors on the historical cycle according to Vico’s perspective, while also comparing his ideas with those of contemporary thinkers. Additionally, a critical analysis of the stages of the historical cycle and an examination of their applicability to modern societies are advised.