History and the sciences

Philip Kitcher*, Daniel Immerwahr

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

The apparent power of the covering-law model of scientific explanation inspired efforts to make historical explanation fit within it. After the demise of that model, many philosophers of history have proposed more liberal approaches to historical explanation, and some reflective historians have questioned the thesis that offering explanations is the business of good history. We attempt to sort through a number of conflicting ideas about historical explanation and about the historian’s commitment (or duty?) to offer the truth about the past. We suggest that histories are diverse, that historians sometimes provide explanations, that the types of explanations they offer are highly various, and that delivering the truth is often important. The picture that emerges illuminates the sciences, by reminding philosophers of the range of questions to which scientific research is directed. It also brings out affinities, not only between history and the natural sciences but also between history and anthropology and history and literature. None of these enterprises should be seen in light of a simple model of successful inquiry. None should be viewed as committed to a single monolithic aim.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationExplanation in the Special Sciences
Subtitle of host publicationThe Case of Biology and History
PublisherSpringer Netherlands
Pages293-323
Number of pages31
ISBN (Electronic)9789400775633
ISBN (Print)9789400775626
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2014

Keywords

  • Aims of history
  • Aims of science
  • Explanation
  • Objectivity

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Arts and Humanities
  • General Agricultural and Biological Sciences
  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
  • General Medicine

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