History as a Hybrid Discipline
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Questions and Answers

How is history classified at some universities?

  • Only as a humanities discipline
  • Neither humanities nor social science
  • Only as a social science
  • Both humanities and social science (correct)

    • Most historians completely agree with social scientists on methodology.

    False

    What do some historians believe about the adoption of social science methodologies in history?

    They believe it may make history dull and uninspired.

    History has elements of both the __________ and social science.

    <p>humanities</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do social scientists urge historians to do with their methodology?

    <p>Adopt social science methodologies</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following perspectives on history with their description:

    <p>Humanist historians = Believe history should remain vibrant and inspired Social scientists = Encourage adoption of scientific methodology Historians in general = Acknowledge the unique aspects of their discipline Disciplinary debates = Highlight disagreement on the classification of history</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the historian's methodology rely on?

    <p>Methods known to science</p> Signup and view all the answers

    All historians reject the idea of using social science methods in their work.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect primarily distinguishes history from social science?

    <p>History deals with the particular.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Historians and social scientists both aim to formulate laws from their analyses.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a primary difference between literary imagination and historical imagination?

    <p>Literary imagination can contradict known facts.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What elements do historians examine to determine the genuineness of documents?

    <p>Ink, penmanship, and style of writing.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Historical imagination allows historians to describe scenarios that are not implied by their sources.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    History is classified under the ______ discipline.

    <p>humanities</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Give an example of a genre where imagination can roam freely.

    <p>Literature</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is an example of a generalization made by social scientists?

    <p>All kings were crowned.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The historian's imagination helps re-capture the past as closely as the __________ permit.

    <p>data</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Name one philosopher of history mentioned in the content.

    <p>Oswald Spengler or Arnold Toynbee.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following concepts with their descriptions:

    <p>Literary Imagination = Can create non-existing situations Historical Imagination = Bound by factual evidence Unhistorical Writing = Lacks life and drama Catherine Drinker Bowen = Biographer of Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following descriptions with the corresponding terms:

    <p>Genuine document = Examined for ink and style History = Study of particular events Social science = Formulates general laws Predictions = Not applicable in history</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In history, _____ is considered anathema as it deals with the past.

    <p>prediction</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary use of quantification in sociology?

    <p>To predict future trends</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Historians use quantification to predict coming elections based on past data.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What must a historian possess to be recognized as great?

    <p>A clear, flowing, and charming literary style.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    __________ was known for their historical writing style and imagination.

    <p>Gibbon</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following historians with their national backgrounds:

    <p>Gibbon = England Ranke = Germany Taine = France Prescott = United States</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the imagination of a great historian differ from that of a literary author?

    <p>It is scientific and limited by methodology.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Being a great social scientist requires one to also be a good writer.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do sociologists sample to predict future trends?

    <p>Opinions expressed by selected individuals.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    History: A Hybrid Discipline

    • History as a discipline is often categorized as a social science, but is sometimes also considered to be a humanities subject.
    • Some historians believe it should be aligned with the social sciences, while others believe it belongs in the humanities.
    • Social scientists argue that history should adopt the methodology of the social sciences.
    • Most historians believe that history has its own distinct methodology, even though the social sciences can sometimes be used to inform it.

    History's Unique Methodology

    • The scientific aspect of history involves examining documents and their authenticity and reliability.
    • The examination process includes analyzing the paper, ink, penmanship, and writing style to determine genuineness.
    • Once authenticity is determined, the writing and interpretation of the documents fall under the domain of the humanities.
    • As a form of composition, history is undeniably part of the humanities.

    Contrasting History and Social Science

    • History focuses on the particular while social science deals with the general.
    • While history does not aim to discover laws, the social sciences strive to formulate principles based on data.
    • History deals with the past, so cannot be used to make predictions about the future.
    • However, the social sciences can predict trends and possibilities using quantification.

    Literary Importance in History

    • Great historians possess not only a mastery of historical methodology but also a compelling literary style.
    • Their writing is clear, fluent, and engaging, enabling them to recreate the past for their readers.
    • Historical imagination allows historians to re-capture the past, limited by the available data and credibility of sources.
    • While literary imagination can create imaginary worlds, historical imagination remains grounded in reality.
    • The literary imagination might describe events or personalities that never existed, but historical imagination remains within the bounds of documented history.

    Historical Imagination: Bringing History to Life

    • Historians use their imaginations to breathe life into historical events, avoiding bland, data-driven accounts.
    • Master's and doctoral theses are often criticized for being unhistorical because they lack imagination.
    • Historical imagination, constrained by the facts, is a crucial element in making history engaging and meaningful.

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    Related Documents

    History as Humanistic Studies PDF

    Description

    Explore the dual nature of history as both a social science and a humanities subject. This quiz dives into the methodologies that distinguish history from other disciplines and highlights the importance of authenticity in historical research. Challenge your understanding of how historians navigate these classifications.

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