“History” as a Pet Subject of Theorists vs. What Historical Researchers Do

Abstract

The present article challenges both postmodern and later philosophy (or theory) of history for a neglect of analysis of what historical researchers actually do. Historical research is focussed on problems and their solutions, just as research of natural scientists. Theorists of history have since the 1960s tended to think that what historians do is equal to write history in a narrative form. Sometimes these theoreticians even deny the past as a reference. Neither these theorists nor newer anti-narrativist theorists (three examples are discussed) have examined what historical researchers do when they deal with problems and seek new knowledge. Finally, a brief discussion between two historical researchers (on Mao’s strategy) is analysed as an example of actual formation of new knowledge in history.