Article
Topic Modelling: A Quantitative Research
Technique for the History of Ideas
Abstract
The history of ideas emerged as a distinct discipline in the 1940s under the leadership of Arthur Lovejoy, whose foundational principles emphasized meticulous qualitative analysis and the interpretation of selected thinkers’ works. However, the increasing volume of authors and publications in recent decades has introduced significant challenges to the field. This article argues that incorporating quantitative methods can help address these challenges. Specifically, it explores the potential of topic modelling as a tool for studying ideas, highlighting its advantages and providing an example of its application through an analysis of sociological articles published in two leading journals: the American Journal of Sociology in the United States and Studia Socjologiczne in Poland.
Article history
Received 13 July 2024. Revised 02 August 2024. Accepted 03 September 2024. Published online 30 January 2025
Keywords
Language
Author
Anastazja ZakusiłoRegional Centre for Social Policy in Krakow
Issue
Orbis Idearum Volume 12, Issue 2 (2024), pp. 29-46
Regular Issue