Karl A. Wittfogel

著者について

Karl A. Wittfogel was a prominent German-American historian and sociologist known for his influential theories on the relationship between irrigation and the development of state power. His seminal work, "Oriental Despotism: A Comparative Study of Total Power," published in 1957, argued that the management of large-scale irrigation systems created centralized authority and bureaucratic states in agrarian societies. His analysis provided a framework for understanding the dynamics of power and governance in Eastern societies, particularly in China and the Middle East.

Wittfogel's academic journey took him from Germany to the United States, where he contributed significantly to the fields of sociology and history. Throughout his career, he explored the interplay of environment and social structure, emphasizing how geography and resource management influenced the evolution of civilizations. He also examined the role of religion in shaping societal hierarchies and governance. Through his rigorous scholarship, Wittfogel left a lasting impact on the study of comparative politics and the sociology of power.