Társadalom-, gazdaság-, kultúra- és politikatörténet
Újkori és jelenkori történelem
This study critically examines the intellectual frameworks through which Hungary’s
regime change has been interpreted, focusing on the epistemological foundations and
methodological approaches of key scholars. By conducting a comparative analysis of
their works, the research demonstrates that while these authors engage with the same
historical process, their theoretical emphases and conceptual priorities diverge significantly.
The first hypothesis, asserting the heterogeneity of these interpretations, is empirically
validated. The second hypothesis investigates whether these discourses can be classified
as integral components of Hungarian political thought. Utilizing Thomas Kuhn’s
paradigm theory, the study conceptualizes these interpretations as distinct yet interrelated
paradigms within the overarching discourse on democratization. The findings suggest
that the analyzed works collectively constitute a dynamic intellectual field in which
paradigm shifts occur in response to evolving political and social contexts. This
inquiry contributes to a deeper understanding of the theoretical pluralism characterizing
Hungary’s transition and its implications for contemporary political thought.
