Why History?: Ethics and postmodernity by Keith Jenkins (English) Hardcover Book

Publisher Description

An introduction to the issue of history and ethics. Designed to provoke discussion, the book asks whether a knowledge and understanding of the past is a good thing to have and if so, why. In the context of postmodern times, the text suggests that the goal of "learning lessons from the past" is actually learning lessons from stories written by historians and others. If the past as history has no foundation, can anything ethical be gained from history? This text seeks to present liberating challenges to history and ethics, proposing that we have reached an emancipatory moment which is well beyond the "end of history".

Table of Contents

Introduction; Part 1 On the end of metanarratives; Chapter 1 On Jacques Derrida; Chapter 2 On Jean Baudrillard; Chapter 3 On Jean-François Lyotard; Part 2 On the end of 'proper' history; Chapter 4 On Richard Evans; Chapter 5 On Hayden White; Chapter 6 On Frank Ankersmit; Part 3 Beyond histories and ethics; Chapter 7 On Elizabeth Deeds Ermarth; Chapter 8 On David Harlan; Conclusion;

Review

'This is Jenkinss best book to date and should be read by anybody who wants to understand postmodernist attitudes to history.' - Christopher Parker, Literature and History Journal, Vol. 10, no.1

Long Description

"Why History?" is a compelling introduction to the issue of history and ethics. Designed to provoke discussion, the book asks whether and why a good knowledge and understanding of the past is desirable. In the context of current postmodern thinking, Keith Jenkins suggests that the goal of "learning lessons from the past" actually means learning lessons from stories written by historians and others. If the past as history has no foundation, can anything ethical be gained from history? Daring and controversial, "Why History?" presents liberating challenges to history and ethics, proposing that we have reached an emancipatory moment which is well beyond the "end of history."

Review Quote

'This is Jenkinss best book to date and should be read by anybody who wants to understand postmodernist attitudes to history.' - Christopher Parker, Literature and History Journal, Vol. 10, no.1

Details