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Knowledge and Explanation in History: An Introduction to the Philosophy of History
Book by Atkinson, R.F.
229 pages, Paperback
First published December 31, 1978
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August 9, 2024
AN INQUIRY INTO SOME OF THE PHILOSOPHICAL QUESTIONS ABOUT HISTORY
At the time this book was published in 1978, R.F. Atkinson was professor of philosophy at the University of York. He said in the Preface, "The present book is a series of discussions of certain central topics, or clusters of topics, in the philosophy of history... I have concentrated on topics about which I thought I had something to say... The CONTENT of the book is not... elementary... I hope... that I have succeeded in bringing into view some of the philosophical questions which are asked about history; and even that I have managed to outline reasonable answers to some of them."
He begins by stating, "Philosophers of history, at least those writing recently in English, have mainly been concerned with the significance and truth of historical statements, the possibilty of objectivity, with explanation, causation and values. Their questions correspond closely to those asked in philosophy of science." (Pg. 4)
He admits later, "There is no concealing the fact that substantive philosophy of history is widely regarded with suspicion, though I do not at this stage want in any way to beg the question of its legitimacy." (Pg. 9)
He observes, "I have reported that causes in history need not be necessary or sufficient conditions and that necessary and sufficient conditions need not be causes." (Pg. 145)
While certainly not a "must read" work, persons studying the philosophy of history may be interested in this book.
At the time this book was published in 1978, R.F. Atkinson was professor of philosophy at the University of York. He said in the Preface, "The present book is a series of discussions of certain central topics, or clusters of topics, in the philosophy of history... I have concentrated on topics about which I thought I had something to say... The CONTENT of the book is not... elementary... I hope... that I have succeeded in bringing into view some of the philosophical questions which are asked about history; and even that I have managed to outline reasonable answers to some of them."
He begins by stating, "Philosophers of history, at least those writing recently in English, have mainly been concerned with the significance and truth of historical statements, the possibilty of objectivity, with explanation, causation and values. Their questions correspond closely to those asked in philosophy of science." (Pg. 4)
He admits later, "There is no concealing the fact that substantive philosophy of history is widely regarded with suspicion, though I do not at this stage want in any way to beg the question of its legitimacy." (Pg. 9)
He observes, "I have reported that causes in history need not be necessary or sufficient conditions and that necessary and sufficient conditions need not be causes." (Pg. 145)
While certainly not a "must read" work, persons studying the philosophy of history may be interested in this book.
Displaying 1 of 1 review