Narration and Knowledge - Softcover

Arthur C. Danto

Softcover

ISBN 10: 023106117X ISBN 13: 9780231061179

Publisher: Columbia University Press, 1985

Synopsis

Now in its third edition, Narration and Knowledge is a classic work exploring the nature of historical knowledge and its reliance on narrative. Analytical philosopher Arthur C. Danto introduces the concept of "narrative sentences," in which an event is described with reference to later events (for example, "the Thirty Years' War began in 1618") and discusses why such sentences cannot be understood until the later event happens (no one could have said in 1618 that "the Thirty Years' War began today"). Danto compares narrative and scientific explanation and explores the legitimacy of historical laws. He also argues that history is an autonomous and humanist discipline incapable of being reduced to scientific descriptions.

Lydia Goehr's new introduction illustrates Danto's main arguments by questioning her very role, first, as an introducer of a book that has not yet been read by readers and, second, as an interpreter of a book written forty years ago. Frank Ankersmit's conclusion revisits the initial impact of the publication of Narration and Knowledge and considers its enduring legacy.

About this title

About the Author:

Arthur C. Danto is Johnsonian Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at Columbia University. His books include The Philosophical Disenfranchisement of Art, Nietzsche as Philosopher (both published by Columbia University Press), and Art in the Historical Present, which won the National Book Critics Circle Award.

Review:

"A substantial work which covers a wide range of philosophical problems about history, and indeed extends to a consideration of some logical features of our whole language of time. Philosophers will admire it for its lucidity and sophistication as well for the author's care and fertility of argument." -- English Historical Review

About this edition

• Publisher: Columbia University Press
• Publication date: 1985
• ISBN 10: 023106117X
• ISBN 13: 9780231061179
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 399