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Real History: Reflections on Historical Practice

Name: Real History: Reflections on Historical Practice
Author: Martin Bunzl
ISBN: 9781134722570

by Martin Bunzl

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Overview

In Real History: Reflections on Historical Practice, Martin Bunzl charts a new direction for the philosophy of history. He proposes a synthesis between debates about objectivity among historians and recent philosophical arguments about realism. In his clear and direct style, Bunzl argues for an approach to history based on what historians actually do in contrast to what they say they are doing. Drawing on a broad literature including the works of Foucault, Geertz, Novick, Danto and Scott, the result is a new and exciting model for philosophy of history that casts objectivity and realism in a new light.

Martin Bunzl merges two parallel debates in history and philosophy. In his wide-ranging argument, he draws on relevant discussions ranging from: post-structuralism; to the philosophy of science; to the hermeneutic turn in anthropology; to debates about the history of women.

Real History is fascinating and essential reading for all those interested in a reconciliation of the debates about the methodology and study of the philosophy of history.