Historiography Terminology

Question 1

orthodox

Answer 1

the established interpretation of a historical event

Question 2

revisionist

Answer 2

a revised interpretation of a historical event

Question 3

sacrosanct

Answer 3

a proven point above debate

Question 4

iconoclastic

Answer 4

revisionist approach challenging orthodox

Question 5

nihilistic

Answer 5

random events determine history

Question 6

deterministic

Answer 6

individuals have little influence on the outcome of events

Question 7

anachronist

Answer 7

mistaken interpretation of past societies using present-day values

Question 8

intentionalist

Answer 8

nihilistic, individuals determine events

Question 9

structuralist

Answer 9

deterministic, institutions determine history

Question 10

empathetical

Answer 10

understanding the past on its own terms, not anachronistically

Question 11

hindsight

Answer 11

treats historical events as inevitable

Question 12

paradigm

Answer 12

fundamental assumption on which all other interpretations are built

Question 13

symbiotic

Answer 13

“chicken and egg” relationship, two factors affecting one another

Question 14

whiggish

Answer 14

simplistic, events move towards a bigger future