History, Philosophy of, General & Miscellaneous Historiography, Truth, Practical Politics
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Overview
Composing Useful Pasts discusses how history is not a settled record of the dead past, but a poetic or imaginative creation stimulated by and focused on contemporary interests. Historical investigation is always and necessarily a selective reading of events. It is an interpretation that arises only because of some pressing question in the present - a question that can only be answered in terms that address the interests, concerns, and problems of contemporary readers. This book employs a postmodern philosophy of the human sciences to show the power of historical explanation in contemporary political life. It explores issues as diverse as the interpretation of the French Revolution, the influence of Greek heritage on Western culture, and the ongoing debate about America's founding principles.Editorials
Booknews
Discussing topics as diverse as the French revolution, the ancient Greek influence on Western culture, and the debate about America's founding principles, contributors discuss history, not in terms of a settled record of the dead past, but as a poetic and imaginative creation stimulated by and focussed on contemporary interests. They employ a postmodern philosophy of the history of human sciences to show the power of historical explanation in contemporary political life. Contributors include scholars in art, literature, politics and communication, and of course, history. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)Book Details
Published
November 1, 2000
Publisher
Albany : State University of New York Press, c2000.
Pages
176
Format
Paperback
ISBN
9780791446768