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Structural functionalism is a sociological theory that sees society as a complex system whose parts work together to promote solidarity and stability. Through the lens of the philosophy of history, it infers that each part of society is necessary for the functioning of the whole, emphasizing the stability of cultural institutions over time.

Historicism is the concept that social and cultural phenomena are historically determined and must be understood within the context of history. In the philosophy of history, it emphasizes the importance of historical context and development in shaping events and institutions.

Dialectical materialism is a philosophical approach to understanding history that posits societal changes arise through the conflict of opposing forces, grounded in material conditions. It relates to the philosophy of history by providing a framework for understanding historical progress and class struggles.

Symbolic interactionism is a sociological theory that posits that people act in response to the meaning that signs and social signals hold for them. In the philosophy of history, it supports the idea that historical events are not just the result of material conditions but also of the meanings created and understood by human interactions.

Cultural evolution is the theory that culture changes over time as a result of various social and environmental pressures, in a manner analogous to biological evolution. From the perspective of the philosophy of history, it suggests a linear progression or development of human societies over time.

Determinism is the philosophical idea that all events, including moral choices, are completely determined by previously existing causes. In the philosophy of history, this suggests that historical events are predetermined by past events, leading to the view that history follows a stringent pattern or path.

Postmodernism is a late 20th-century movement characterized by broad skepticism, subjectivism, or relativism and a general suspicion of reason. In the philosophy of history, it challenges traditional narratives, arguing that history is not a single narrative but consists of many overlapping, contradictory stories.

Teleology is the explanation of phenomena by the purpose they serve rather than by postulating causes. In the philosophy of history, it suggests historical events and actions are driven by ultimate goals or ends, such as the progress of civilization or the realization of freedom.

Cultural syncretism is the blending of two or more cultural influences. In the philosophy of history, this concept illustrates how historical encounters between cultures reshape societies, leading to new cultural forms that embody elements of the merging cultures.

Rational choice theory is an economic principle that assumes individuals always make prudent and logical decisions that provide them with the greatest benefit or satisfaction. In the philosophy of history, this theory is used to explain historical events and trends as the outcome of rational actions by individuals.

The Annales School is a style of historiography developed by French historians in the 20th century that emphasizes long-term social history. It propounds the use of various social sciences in history and rejects the notion that history consists of the deeds of great men. Philosophy of history through this lens focuses on structures over individuals.

Cultural imperialism is the practice of promoting and imposing a culture, usually that of a politically powerful nation, over a less powerful society. In the philosophy of history context, it relates to how dominant cultures can erase or marginalize the histories and values of other cultures.

Feminist history is the reinterpretation and reexamination of history from a female perspective. It questions the historical narratives which predominantly feature men as the subjects of history and seeks to uncover the overlooked and undervalued contributions of women throughout history.

Cultural materialism is a theory that argues material conditions and economic activities determine social and cultural structures. Within philosophy of history, it highlights the role of economic and material interests as the driving force of historical change.

Ethnocentrism is the act of judging another culture based on the standards of one's own culture. In the philosophy of history, it is a warning against biases that can distort historical analysis and the need to adopt a more objective approach when studying different cultures.

Cultural hegemony refers to the dominance of a culturally diverse society by the ruling class who manipulate the culture of that society—the beliefs, explanations, perceptions, values—so that their imposed, ruling-class worldview becomes the accepted cultural norm. This concept, in the philosophy of history, supports the idea the status quo is maintained through cultural rather than purely political or economic means.

The Great Man Theory suggests that history is primarily the result of actions of 'great men' or heroes who have extraordinary abilities. In the philosophy of history, it conflicts with views that emphasize the importance of broader societal forces and downplays the role of individual agency.

Cultural relativism is the principle that an individual's beliefs and activities should be understood by others in terms of that individual's own culture. In terms of the philosophy of history, it challenges ethnocentric views and allows for a more nuanced understanding of historical events and cultural practices.

Cultural determinism is the belief that the culture in which we are raised determines who we are at emotional and behavioral levels. Within the philosophy of history, it stands in contrast to other forms of determinism by stressing the primacy of culture over other factors in shaping human society and its history.