Objectivity and Subjectivity in History - 1597 Words

According to Benny Morris, historical truth is a ‘truth about a historical event that exists independently of, and can be detached from, the subjectivities of scholars . Hence, is Morris implying that historical truths are objective? If they are indeed objective, why are historians constantly rewriting history books? Although the objectivity of some historical truths is indisputable, one must realise that most truths in history are influenced by the historians biases, limitations and his subjection to external influences. In other words, subjective elements (as mentioned above) undermine the objective interpretations of historical events. Thus, using Morriss definition of historical truth, this essay aims to marshal the argument that to†¦show more content†¦Just like the Indian historians, these Sinhalese historians have been influenced by the anti-Tamil governments in power and thus, having been subject to the influences of such governments, Sinhalese historians continu e to ostracise the Tamils even though there is significant evidence that the Jaffna Tamil Community is not at fault (Spencer, 1990). Thus, with historians being victims to political, social and religious influences, the historical interpretations made by these historians would always be shrouded with subjectivity. In all, historical truths will always be subjective for they are eclipsed by external influences which dominate a historians interpretation towards historical events. Lastly, to echo the views of Edward Hallett Carr, historical truths can never be objective because of ‘the historians need for imaginative understanding of the minds of the people with whom he is dealing, for the thought behind their acts . Historians have always been limited in the sense that unless they imagine as to what went in the minds of historical figures, they will never be able to interpret most, if not all historical events. In all, historical truths can never be objective for as Robin George Collingwood asserts, ‘in historical enquiry, the object to be discovered is not the mere event, but the thought expressed in it For example, nineteenth century historical works (by British historians) on British medieval society areShow MoreRelatedInvestigating the Extent to Which Historians Can Be Objective1137 Words   |  5 PagesObjective ‘You have reckoned that history ought to judge the past and to instruct the contemporary world as to the future. 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AllRead More A Taxonomy of Moral Realism Essay1637 Words   |  7 Pagesclearly demonstrated what is involved in moral realist theory. I provide a framework which distinguishes three different versions of the theory while at the same time showing the interrelations between them. I also demonstrate how issues such as objectivity, cognitivism, and truth can be related into the discussion by means of this framework. Since morality exercises a deep influence over the way we live our lives, it is easy to appreciate why the question — whether the subject is, or can be, objectiveRead MorePsychological And Physical Aspects Of Science1683 Words   |  7 Pagesscience today, relating them to the contested notion of objectivity in which they strive for. Feminism in science will be proved significant in the sense of providing a paradigm for exposing human values suppressed within scientific work by demonstrating how assumptions of gender have influenced scientific practice. 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