Birodalmak és romok. Diderot gondolatai a történelmi nagyságról és hanyatlásról

The article examines Diderot’s reflections on history, focusing on his concepts of greatness and decline. Though Diderot did not write a systematic work in the philosophy of history, his thoughts on the subject appear across various writings. The article considers his ideas occasioned by the ruins on Hubert Robert’s paintings, wherein ruins appear as a metaphor for historical impermanence. The article also focuses on Diderot’s perspective on colonialism, and his style in discussing historical themes. It highlights Diderot’s view of history as constant change and impermanence, embodied in his frequent use of the term “vicissitude”. The author explores how Diderot alternates between detached observation and empathetic engagement when discussing historical events.