Theories of History.pptVIP

Theories of History K.J. Benoy Schools of Thought Historians (and non-historians) seek to make sense of the past. They look for patterns. They seek truths. What they find shapes their conclusions. If they are not intellectually honest, their existing ideas may determine what they seek in the past – and therefore reinforce pre-determined beliefs – not unlike a science student “cooking” his experimental results. Since we all have biases, a good historian must be aware of his own and must avoid a myopic approach and be willing to change positions if the evidence warrants it. Schools of Thought It