| dc.description.abstract | Already the contemporaries of the Editor of Cracovian “Critique” (“Krytyka”) acknowledged
the paramount significance of his synthesis of the post-partition history of Polish political
thought to educational and social goals. They advanced its permanent and indispensable
presence in Polish historiography and culture, as it was the first work among the Polish historical
writings that concerned the history of political ideas. Its author thus became the precursor
of research in the history of political thought in Poland and in Europe. Despite the fact that
he gave his historiographical work strictly practical-political functions, it has stood the test of
time and still serves not only as an important source of information about the Polish past, but
also as a model of research procedures and historiographical studies in the subject of history
of political ideas. Certainly, various charges might be put against the author, especially those
of bias, subjectivity, fragmentariness or even tendentiousness in the presented view of the
Polish political thought of the post-partition era. Yet, it is impossible not to acknowledge his
intellectual effort in justifying those political concepts and ideas the realization of which also
meant the realization of dreams and aspirations of a few generations of Poles – the restoration
of the Polish state. Therefore Wilhelm Feldman’s lasting merit is showing – in a synthetic
reading of the modern history of Polish political thought, in its social and historical aspects
– the importance of impartial action and service to the public causes. | en_EN |
