What is History? E.H. Carr - Detailed Summary

Summary

E. H. Carr’s What Is History? is presented as a meditation on how historians create meaning. Carr argues history is an ongoing dialogue between the historian and facts: facts become historical through selection, imagination, and the historian’s social perspective. He rejects simplistic “great man” explanations, emphasizes society’s shaping of individuals, and defends history as a scientific but inherently subjective inquiry. On causation he balances determinism and chance, urging careful prioritization of causes. He critiques linear notions of progress—arguing it is uneven and value-laden—and closes optimistically, calling historians and thinkers to bolder, reasoned efforts to reshape society.

Takeaways

• 😀 History is a dynamic, interpretive process: Historians continuously interact with facts, shaping them through their own perspective and imagination, making history more than just a recounting of events.
• 😀 Facts in history are not objective: For Edward H. Carr, historical facts only gain significance when they are selected and interpreted by historians, emphasizing the subjectivity inherent in history.
• 😀 Historians cannot be fully objective: While objectivity is an ideal, Carr argues that historians' perspectives and values influence the way they select and interpret facts from the past.
• 😀 History is influenced by both society and the individual: Historians are shaped by the culture and society they belong to, and their questions and interpretations are influenced by this context.
• 😀 The role of the historian is inherently social: Historians work within a social context, and the facts they select are shaped by the society they live in. This makes the writing of history a social process.
• 😀 History is both a science and an art: Carr defends the idea that history should be considered a scientific discipline, but acknowledges that it also requires imagination and interpretation, much like an art.
• 😀 Causation is central to understanding history: Historians must ask 'why' to understand the causes of historical events. Carr explores the relationship between determinism and chaos in historical causality.
• 😀 Historical progress is not linear: History is often perceived as progress, but Carr notes that it doesn't follow a straight line. Progress is uneven and comes in different forms in various times and places.
• 😀 Great men are shaped by society: Carr challenges the 'great man theory' of history, arguing that significant historical figures are products of their time and environment, and not the sole drivers of historical change.
• 😀 The study of history involves both facts and values: While historians strive for objectivity, their values shape the kinds of questions they ask and the conclusions they draw about historical events and figures.
• 😀 Change in history has become more gradual: Carr suggests that, by the mid-20th century, the desire for radical societal change had slowed, with people focusing more on practical, incremental changes rather than revolutionary transformations.
• 😀 History is a record of human actions: Carr believes history serves to explain human behavior, examining how people interact with their society and environment, both in terms of progress and setbacks.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of Edward H. Carr's *What is History?*?

The primary focus of Edward H. Carr's *What is History?* is to explore the nature of history, the role of historians, and the interpretation of historical events. Carr challenges traditional notions about objectivity, causality, and progress in history.

What does Carr mean by the relationship between historians and facts?

Carr argues that facts alone do not make history. Historians play an active role in selecting and interpreting facts, which are shaped by their perspective, context, and society. History is not just a passive recounting of facts, but a dynamic process of interpretation.

How does Carr challenge the 'great man theory' of history?

Carr critiques the 'great man theory,' which attributes historical change to individual leaders or figures. Instead, he argues that individuals are shaped by the society they live in, and history is a product of broader social forces rather than just exceptional individuals.

What does Carr say about the scientific nature of history?

Carr defends history as a legitimate science, arguing that while it differs from natural sciences, it can still use scientific methods. He addresses common objections to the scientific approach to history and argues that historical study can uncover patterns and lessons useful for understanding the present.

How does Carr explain causality in history?

Carr suggests that history is shaped by multiple causes, and the historian’s task is to identify and prioritize the most significant ones. He rejects both determinism, which sees events as preordained, and chaos theory, which sees events as random, proposing instead a nuanced approach to understanding historical causality.

What is Carr's view on progress in history?

Carr argues that progress in history is not linear or inevitable. While technological and material advancements occur, they do not necessarily lead to moral or social progress. He views history as an uneven process, with advances in one area not guaranteeing improvements in another.

What does Carr mean by the 'widening horizon' in history?

The 'widening horizon' refers to the expanding role of historians in understanding and interpreting a rapidly changing world. Carr acknowledges that the desire for wholesale revolutionary change had diminished by the 20th century, but he expresses optimism that gradual, practical solutions can still lead to progress.

How does Carr view the objectivity of historians?

Carr argues that complete objectivity in history is impossible, as historians are inevitably influenced by their own time, biases, and values. However, he contends that historians can strive for impartiality by recognizing their biases and making a conscious effort to minimize them in their interpretations.

What does Carr mean by the 'historical dialogue' between the past and the present?

Carr emphasizes that history is not a static recounting of past events but a dynamic conversation between the historian's present and the past. The questions historians ask and the interpretations they offer are shaped by their contemporary society, which influences how they engage with historical facts.

Why does Carr believe the study of history remains important despite its subjective nature?

Carr believes that despite the inherent subjectivity in historical study, the discipline remains vital for understanding the present and shaping the future. History offers lessons that help us make sense of contemporary issues and the forces that have shaped our society.