Historical Experience: Essays on the Phenomenology of History

A collection of recent essays on the philosophy and theory of history, drawing inspiration from the continental-phenomenological tradition and exploring how we experience historical events. Phenomenology focuses on how things are given, how they enter our experience, and what our experience of them is like.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 176 pages
\n Publication date: 31 March 2021
\n Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd
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This comprehensive volume presents a collection of recent essays on the philosophy and theory of history, a vibrant and interdisciplinary field that draws contributions from historians, philosophers, and theorists of culture and literature. The author, trained in philosophy, draws inspiration primarily from the continental-phenomenological tradition, which includes the influences of Husserl, Heidegger, Merleau-Ponty, and Ricoeur. This philosophical background offers a unique perspective on the issues discussed.

Phenomenology, in contrast to other philosophical approaches such as metaphysics and epistemology, focuses on the nature of experience. It asks how anything that exists or may exist is given, how it enters our experience, and what our experience of it is like. At its core, phenomenology is about understanding the essence of experience.

It may initially seem surprising that phenomenology could be applied to history, as "history" typically refers to either past events or our knowledge of those events. We cannot directly experience past events, and our understanding of them relies on sources such as memory, testimony, and physical traces. However, the author argues that we do indeed experience historical events, and these essays explore how this is possible.

The book is organized into three parts: Historicity, Narrative, and Time, Teleology and History, and Embodiment and Experience. Each part delves into different aspects of the philosophy and theory of history, providing a comprehensive exploration of the field. Historicity examines the nature of historical events and their significance, while Narrative explores the role of storytelling in shaping our understanding of history. Time, Teleology, and History explores the temporal dimensions of history and the role of teleology in shaping historical narratives. Embodiment and Experience explores the relationship between the body and historical experience, highlighting the role of embodiment in shaping our understanding of the past.

This volume is an invaluable resource for those interested in experience from a philosophical and historical perspective. It offers a rich and nuanced understanding of the complexities of history and the role of experience in shaping our understanding of the world. Whether you are a historian, philosopher, or simply someone who enjoys exploring the depths of human experience, this book will provide you with a wealth of insights and perspectives.

\n Weight: 452g\n
Dimension: 158 x 243 x 17 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780367349271\n \n