- Presentism Pronunciation: /ˈprɛz.ənˌtɪz.əm/ (PREZ-ən-tiz-əm)
Definition:
- Philosophy/Historiography: The interpretation and evaluation of past events or people in terms of modern values, ideas, or knowledge. Presentism often leads to judging historical actions and beliefs by the standards and norms of the present day, rather than understanding them in their original context.
- General: An attitude or bias that prioritizes the present over the past or future.
Example: Critics warn that presentism can distort our understanding of history by imposing today’s ethics on previous eras.