New Work In Intellectual History Classics of Historiography in Historical and Global Perspective
Apr 9, 2025
Davide Cadeddu, a Professor of History of Political Thought at the University of Milan, dives into the significance of classic texts in historiography as mirrors of their times and tools for modern insight. He discusses how historiographical classics evolve, reflecting community identities and fostering cross-cultural dialogue. Cadeddu contrasts views on imperial history, particularly between Italian and British perspectives, while sharing his academic experiences across Europe. He also touches on the influence of E. H. Carr and the challenges of integrating diverse scholarship.
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Multiple Roles of Classics
- Classics serve different roles, including expressing their era and aiding understanding across cultures.
- They act as cognitive and heuristic tools for examining identity and cultural dialogue.
Classics as Political Productions
- Classics of historiography act as political productions expressing community identity at specific times.
- These classics form dynamic canons that facilitate cultural dialogue rather than impose fixed lists.
Avoid Canonical Dogmatism
- Do not treat classical canons rigidly or as universally fixed lists.
- Use them as flexible and personal tools to foster dialogue and evolve understanding.
