The Logic of History: Putting Postmodernism in Perspective

by C. Behan McCullagh

Overview

The Logic of History reveals the rational basis for historians' descriptions, interpretations and explanations of past events. C. Behan McCullagh defends the practice of history as more reliable than has recently been acknowledged. Historians, he argues, make their accounts of the past as fair as they can and avoid misleading their readers. He explains and discusses postmodern criticisms of history, providing students and teachers of history with a renewed validation of their practice. McCullagh takes the history debate to a new stage with bold replies to the major questions historians face today.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780415223997
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	10/30/2003
Pages:	224
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d)

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements, Introduction, 1 The possibility of historical knowledge, 2 The meanings of texts, actions and events, 3 Justifying descriptions of the past, 4 Causes of human actions, 5 Types of historical narrative, 6 Judging historical interpretations, 7 Causes and conditions in history, 8 Historical explanations, Conclusion, References, Name index, Subject index

Editorial Reviews

'A meticulous exposition, primarily aimed at students, of 'the logic of history' ... rarely less than lucid.' - History

'A useful guide ... [that] will make [a] useful addition to principles and methods of history reading lists.' - Literature and History

'An ideal explanation of what history is all about.' - Midwest Book Review

From the Publisher