Friday, March 5, 2010

Perspectives on history

How does one's perspective influence the way one witnesses an event? Given that perspective influences perception, can we ever know "The Truth" about a historical event?


1 comment:

  1. We can never now the "Truth" of anything, we just collect data and what fits best into our preconceived matrix of “truths,” based on what is most pragmatic or useful to us, we call “true.” For example, if we value so-called empirical evidence, because it is useful in our day-to-day survival, because it is utilized by science (which is useful to us), etc, then we take the “empirical” evidence as transmitted from “reliable” sources and place it within our base of knowledge that we’ve already accepted as true. If our “truths” and method of gathering truth conforms to our society’s “truths” and methods, it is deemed as “true” and/or “valid” within a realm of “reasonable doubt.” If our “truths” and methods do not conform to accepted forms of knowledge, then it is deemed “insane” and/or “false.” This applies to historical knowledge as well as knowledge in general. - Mr. Hansen

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