Langean theory

Langean theory, also known as Langean historiography of Langeanism, describes a theory and analysis of history that centers around the writings of Geatish historian and author Greger Lange. Most broadly, Langean theory involves analyzing history through the lives of important historical figures, commonly known as great men, and it adopts a cyclical understanding of historical development, arguing that societies naturally sway between periods of order and of chaos. Langean theory supposes that all people naturally fit into distinct social strata, a concept known as Langean social stratification, and that history is in large part driven by the interactions between these strata, particularly from the top-down.

Greger Lange popularized his philosophy of history through his writings, particularly his tracts On Chaos and Order and Von Bayrhoffer in Werania as well as his popular three-volume history work History of the Euclean Peoples. Lange drew inspiration from preceeding theories, most notably social cycle theory and dominance hierarchy, in forming his analysis, and he rejected burgeoning theories in his day, such as economic determinism. Lange's philosophy is generally understood to be socially and politically conservative, though some scholars argue that Langean theory defies any traditional political classification. Langean theory has been described as "loosely determinist."

Initially composed in the late 19th century, Langean theory would go on to exert significant influence on many of the humanities, particularly Euclean history studies, anthropology, sociology, historiography, political science, and much of 20th-century philosophy. Langean theory was considered the preeminent and undisputed theory of Euclean history until the end of the Solarian War, after which it began to receive significant criticism from feminist, postcolonial and postmodernist thinkers. Although it has seen its reputation dimished, Langean theory remains popular as an analysis of Euclean history, particularly among conservative and reactionary historians.