Man and his History in the Evolutionary Approach: The Theory and Sources of the Rudimentary Symptoms of Julian Ochorowicz

Abstract

The aim of this contribution is to explore Julian Ochorowicz’s theory of rudimentary symptoms, a proposition largely based on psychological concepts, balancing between the latest findings in evolutionary biology and anthropology, and exploring the development of man and his history. This concept sought to align the reflection of human nature and culture by introducing a psychological input (the concept of subliminal traditions). The author analyses and reintroduces this concept, somewhat forgotten by researchers, that may have functioned as a bridge, both between evolutionary biology and anthropology, and Polish and West European scientific thought at that time. Key words: Julian Leopold Ochorowicz, rudimentary symptoms, evolutionism, anthropology, culture.