On Historical Evidence
The book is a critique of the historical method and its application to medieval history. It argues that historians rely too heavily on written records and ignore oral traditions and other forms of evidence. The author contends that this approach leads to an incomplete and inaccurate understanding of the past. The work focuses on the limitations of written sources, particularly those from the 12th century, which are often biased or unreliable. Belloc also examines the role of oral tradition in shaping historical narratives and argues that it should be given more weight in historical research. Throughout the book, the author critiques the prevailing views of medieval history and offers alternative interpretations based on a more nuanced understanding of the evidence. He emphasizes the importance of considering multiple sources and perspectives when reconstructing the past. The work is divided into several sections, each addressing a different aspect of the historical method and its application to medieval history. The author's arguments are supported by detailed analysis of specific examples and case studies. Overall, the book presents a challenging critique of traditional historical methods and offers a fresh perspective on the study of medieval history.
By Hilaire Belloc · First published 1924 · Genre: Non-fiction, History, Philosophy · 3,801 words
First lines
The last book to be published upon the last Dauphin of France set me thinking upon what seems to me the chief practical science in which modern men should secure themselves. I mean the science of history-and in this science almost all lies in the appreciation of evidence, for one of the chief particular problems presented to the student of history at the present moment is whether the Dauphin did or did not survive his imprisonment in the Temple.
What this Textopian page supports
On Historical Evidence is listed on Textopian as an essay by Hilaire Belloc, dated 1924 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: Hilaire Belloc
- Date: 1924 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Non-fiction, History, Philosophy, Political Science, Critical Analysis
- Length: 3,801 words
- Structure: 1 section, 22 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- On The Method Of History by Hilaire Belloc
- On Inaccuracy by Hilaire Belloc
- Historians And The Roman Empire by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
- The Perverseness Of Words by Egerton Castle
- On Convincing People by Hilaire Belloc
- On Knowing The Past by Hilaire Belloc
Genres
- Non-fiction — The book is a scholarly examination of historical evidence and methodology.
- History — It discusses historical events, particularly the case of the last Dauphin of France, and the interpretation of historical evidence.
- Philosophy — The text explores philosophical questions regarding the nature of history and the interpretation of evidence.
- Political Science — It touches on the implications of historical understanding for political theories and practices.
Tags
Historical Analysis · Evidence-Based Reasoning · Philosophy of History · Critical Thinking · Rhetoric · Argumentation · Logic · Epistemology · Causality · Chronology · Historiography · Methodology