Materialist Philosophy of History: A Realist Antidote to Postmodernism

A Materialist Philosophy of History: A Realist Antidote to Postmodernism explores the implications of a materialist worldview in contemporary philosophy of history, including the nature of social institutions, the capacities of historical figures, and the methodology of historical research. It rejects the view that forces such as culture, language, or society can construct physical reality or that the historical past is constructed through the work of the historian.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 282 pages
Publication date: 15 May 2022
Publisher: Lexington Books

A Materialist Philosophy of History: A Realist Antidote to Postmodernism delves into the profound implications of a materialist worldview in contemporary philosophy of history. This philosophical framework encompasses a wide range of consequences that extend to historical research and the credibility of different interpretations of the past. Branko Mitrović explores these implications in depth, shedding light on their relevance to the nature of social institutions, the decision-making abilities of historical figures, the acquisition of beliefs, the process of communication, and the methodology of historical inquiry. Furthermore, a materialist perspective challenges the notion that forces such as culture, language, or society can shape physical reality or that the historical past is solely the product of the historian's interpretation.

In this book, Mitrović examines these consequences and offers a comprehensive materialist perspective on historical research and the understanding of the historical past. He explores the implications of materialism on historical methodology, including the interpretation and translation of historical documents. By adopting a materialist framework, historians can gain a more nuanced and accurate understanding of the past, free from the constraints of postmodernism's relativism and skepticism.

A Materialist Philosophy of History: A Realist Antidote to Postmodernism is a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in exploring the complexities of historical inquiry and the role of materialism in shaping our understanding of the past. Through its rigorous analysis and thoughtful presentation, this book provides a robust defense of a realist approach to history, offering a valuable antidote to postmodernism's distortions and undermining of historical knowledge.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781793620026