[A. Pole]

Before I wade into some reading, just give me one crib note. What is historicism?

Do not blame me.

OK, http://www.wordreference.com/English/definition.asp?en=historicism:

Source: The Collins English Dictionary © 2000 HarperCollins
Publishers:

historicism
noun
1  
   the belief that natural laws govern historical events
   which in turn determine social and cultural
   phenomena

2  
   the doctrine that each period of history has its own
   beliefs and values inapplicable to any other, so that
   nothing can be understood independently of its
   historical context

3  
   the conduct of any enquiry in accordance with these
   views

4  
   excessive emphasis on history, historicism, past
   styles, etc.
   his'toricist noun, adjective

[patriciaruth]

Well, there is some truth to historicism then; but the exceptions mean there is a deeper truth of which historicism is but a part.

Thanks. Maybe after a couple years of reading I will be able to join this discussion.