3. Historical Theories and Approaches Flashcards
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What is the main challenge posed by postmodernism to history?
It challenges the notion of objective historical truth.
How does postmodernism view interpretations of history?
Emphasizes the subjectivity of interpretations.
What is ‘relativism’ in postmodernism?
The idea that multiple valid perspectives exist.
What does ‘deconstruction’ involve in postmodernism?
Analyzing underlying assumptions in historical narratives.
How does postmodernism view history?
As constructed stories or narratives.
What are criticisms of postmodernism regarding objectivity?
It questions the possibility of unbiased history.
What is a concern about postmodernism’s impact on research?
It may neglect empirical evidence.
Who is Hayden White and what did he contribute?
A historian who explored narrative structures in history.
Who is Michel Foucault and what was his focus?
A philosopher who examined power relations and discourse.
How does Marxism view history?
Through the lens of class struggle and economic factors.
What is ‘historical materialism’?
The concept that material conditions shape society.
What is considered the driver of historical change in Marxism?
Class conflict.
What is the debate of determinism vs. agency in Marxism?
Balancing structural forces with individual actions.
What is a potential weakness of Marxist history?
Reductionism or oversimplification of complex events.
Who is Eric Hobsbawm and what did he analyze?
A historian who analyzed industrialization and capitalism.
Who is E.P. Thompson and what was his focus?
A historian who focused on working-class experiences.
What does the Annales School emphasize in history?
Long-term social history over events.
What is ‘total history’ in the Annales School?
An approach that incorporates geography, economy, and culture.
What is the ‘longue durée’?
The study of slow-moving structures over long periods.
What is a criticism of the Annales School?
Event neglect; downplaying significant occurrences.
What are methodological challenges of the Annales approach?
Requires interdisciplinary expertise.
Who is Fernand Braudel and what is he known for?
A historian known for his work on the Mediterranean world.
Who is Marc Bloch and what did he study?
A historian who studied feudal societies and collective mentalities.
