history basics 101
what is the objectively existing phenomena in history?
Observable and can be regifted objectively without interpretation
aka "trivia" in history
what is the definition of perspective?
- need to define vantage point
problems with using objectivity corresponds to facts
use in response: facts are theory laden
-facts already have elements of interpretation
-focus of history =not long list of neutral trivia but on understanding causation and significance
truth, perspective, and bias in heteroglossia
there is no truth in history beyond the dialogue of perspectives
all perspectives have equal voice
bias =perspective
what are the elements of historical interpretation?
Selecting evidence
inferring causal claims
identifying historical significance
what is opinion?
An opinion does not determine where the person stands
pros & cons ethical standards of history-writing
pros: avoid the problems of theory-laden facts, take intentions of the historians cons: historians can lie about following ethical standards , fine line between lying consciously and unconsciously
What is historical interpretation?and what does it allow us to understand?
-The subjectivity that comes with different interpretations of history
- allows us to understand the past rather than having a long list of trivia
corresponds to facts
Historical objectivity is often defined as "true to facts"
if historical interpretations correspond to known facts, they are seen as more objective(facts)
the concept objectivity is irrelevant in history & there is a need for a co-existence of conflicting perspectives (radical concept)
Heteroglossia
Rival interpretations (six criteria)
-process of comparison between rival theories
-"objective fact" = an interpretations that is currently found more acceptable than the existing interpretations
-standard objectivity: better theory means abandon old one and replace it
problems with using rival interpretations (six criteria)
underdetermination: there is a possibility each theory can be supported by the same facts
ethical standards of history-writing
-ethics based approach to historical objectivity: historian has observed/abided by all ethical standards of history writing= historical interpretation is objective
who coined the term of heteroglossia
Mikhail Bakhtin