The Innovation of Ideation and Ideology : An Analytical Framework and Application to the Cases of Sabbateanism and Zionism

Abstract

This thesis represents an attempt to develop further the notions of "proaction" and "reaction" as alluded to by the author and Professor G. Zollschan elsewhere (85). Proaction (i.e., the creation of society by man) and reaction (i.e., the creation of man by society) are viewed as two moments in a dialectical process through which the innovation of ideation and ideology may be explained. The proactive moment is elaborated through the use of the "Theory of Institutionalization" (88), while the notions of culture, political culture and social structure (reactive elements) are employed to articulate the applicability of the framework to the innovation of Messianic ideation and political ideology. Illustrative material for the analytical framework is presented in the form of two case studies - the emergence of Sabbateanism in 17th century eastern Europe and the emergence of Zionism in 19th century eastern Europe. The thesis concludes by spelling out some of the more salient weaknesses of the present formulation and suggesting directions for further development.