Hermeneutics, History and Memory / Edition 1

by Philip Gardner

Overview

History is the true record of an absent past. The trust between historians and their readers has always been founded upon this traditional claim. In a postmodern world, that claim and that trust have both been challenged as never before, drawing either angry or apologetic responses from historians.

Hermeneutics, History and Memory answers differently. It sees the sceptical challenge as an opportunity for reflection on history's key processes and practices, and draws upon methodological resources that are truly history's own, but from which it has become estranged. In seeking to restore these resources, to return history to its roots, this book presents a novel contribution to topical academic debate, focusing principally upon:

• the challenges and detours of historical methodology
• hermeneutic interpretation in history
• the work of Paul Ricoeur
• the relation between history and memory.

Hermeneutics, History and Memory will appeal to experienced historical researchers who seek to explore the theoretical and methodological foundations of their empirical investigations. It will also be highly beneficial to research students in history and the social sciences concerned with understanding the principles and practices through which documentary analysis and in-depth interview can be both validated and conducted.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780415353380
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	01/14/2010
Edition description:	1ST
Pages:	208
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.10(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Philip Gardner is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Education at the University of Cambridge, UK.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements vii

Introduction 1

1 History: challenges and detours 11

2 History and hermeneutics 36

3 History, hermeneutics and Ricoeur 61

4 History and memory 89

Conclusion 116

Notes 121

Bibliography 179

Index 195