An Introduction To The Philosophy Of History

aeo Includes annotated further reading at the end of each chapter. aeo Explains why and how philosophy, history and the social sciences converge. aeo Incorporates a wide range of philosophical reference from the pre--Socratics to the Postmodernists. This book uncovers the wealth of philosophical problems that history presents, and encourages further thought on how these issues grow out of historical questions. Its focus on the convergence of history, philosophy and social science makes it ideal for use on undergraduate courses in philosophy of history and philosophy of social science. Beginning with an energetic and lucid discussion covering traditional issues such as epistemology and metaphysics, the author continues to explore in more detail the current debates surrounding philosophical issues of concern to both history and the social sciences. Tackling a wide range of topics such as truth, objectivity, explanation, communication and narrative, gender, deconstruction and postmodernism, the book affords students in philosophy and social science departments a deeper and wider perspective on the philosophical problems within their areas of study. This book uncovers the wealth of philosophical problems that history presents, and encourages further thought on how these issues grow out of historical questions.