Truth or Fiction in Historical Research: Finding a Middle Ground

Truth or Fiction in Historical Research: Finding a Middle Ground
Image credit: Jean-Pol Grandmont

Historical explanations require the interpretation of incomplete traces of the past. We generally conceive of history as a truth-telling practice, while recognising that the degree of interpretative work that is required means that the truthfulness of a given history is often uncertain.

This workshop aims to be an interdisciplinary venue, connecting researchers working on questions within, and related to, the philosophy of history and the historical sciences.

Questions that the workshop may consider include, but are not limited to:

  • What counts as evidence of the past?
  • How can historians and historical scientists make credible claims about the past?
  • Is history a truth-normed practice?
  • Should we be realists or anti-realists about history and the historical sciences?
  • What is the epistemic status of historical narratives?
  • Does history fundamentally differ from the historical sciences?
  • What are the epistemic obligations of the historian or historical scientist?
  • What is a successful history?

 

This event will be both in-person and online via Zoom. Zoom details will be provided prior to the event start date.

This event is supported by the Centre for Philosophy of the Sciences.

For the program, please refer to the attachment below.

For more information about this event, please contact aidan.ryall@anu.edu.au

Date & time

Wed 27 Jul 2022, 9:30am to 5:30pm

Location

Room 2.56 - RSSS Building (146 Ellery Crescent)

Contacts

Aidan Ryall

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Updated:  22 July 2022/Responsible Officer:  Head of School/Page Contact:  CASS Marketing & Communications