Philosopher's Zone History and narrative
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Jul 2, 2024 Exploring the complexity of historical narratives, the podcast challenges the conventional idea of historians as uncoverers of truth. It delves into how cultural and political factors shape historical interpretation, emphasizing the subjectivity and ethical responsibility in constructing historical truths. The conversation also touches on the epistemic value of historical narratives and the importance of recognizing different perspectives in understanding historical events.
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Historical Realism Defined
- Historical realism views the past as structured and meaningful.
- Historians supposedly uncover this meaning like archaeologists.
Historical Realism as Default
- Most people assume historians uncover facts to reveal the truth about the past.
- This 'historical realism' is likely the default view, due to education and how history is presented.
Historical Realism's Origins
- Historical realism is rooted in the discipline's origins, particularly with Leopold von Ranke.
- The 19th-century rise of nation-states also reinforced this view for political reasons.