The Fabric of Historical Time

Historical time is gaining significance in the twenty-first century as societies attempt to make sense of rapidly changing worlds. This Element sketches a theory of historical time as based on a distinction between temporality and historicity, approaching the fabric of historical time as varying relational arrangements and interactions of multiple temporalities and historicities. It pays special attention to the more-than-human temporalities of the Anthropocene, the technology-fueled historicities of runaway changes, and the conflicts in the fabric of historical time at the intersections of technological, ecological, and social change.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 75 pages
Publication date: 07 September 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Historical time, a slippery concept, takes on renewed importance in the twenty-first century as societies grapple with the rapid transformations of the world. This Element explores a theory of historical time, rooted in the distinction between temporality and historicity. It delves into the intricate tapestry of historical time, envisioning it as a dynamic interplay of multiple temporalities and historicities. Within this fabric, diverse temporalities and historicities emerge, intertwine, fade, transform, converge, coexist, overlap, arrange, and rearrange in intricate constellations. These temporalities and historicities clash and conflict, creating a fluid and unpredictable narrative without a predetermined plot.

The Element pays particular attention to the more-than-human temporalities of the Anthropocene, the technology-fueled historicities of runaway changes, and the conflicts that arise at the intersections of technological, ecological, and social transformations. It sheds light on the complex interplay between these temporalities and historicities, highlighting their profound impact on human societies and the natural world. By examining the dynamics of historical time, this Element offers insights into the complexities of our past, present, and future, fostering a deeper understanding of the forces that shape our world.

ISBN-13: 9781009108331