Periodization as a Tool of the Historian with Special Reference to Islamic History
Fred M. Donner
: The article discusses periodization and spatialization – delimiting a particular length of time, region the globe, or both as necessary strategems for studying history, since seamless web human life cannot be analyzed in toto. It different notions periodization, those advanced by Fernand Braudel others Annales School concept “Zeitschichten” proposed Reinhart Koselleck. surveys some periodizations that have traditionally been applied specifically realm history Islamic Near East number essays discussing (especially S. D. Goitein M. Morony). argues notion an “ideal” “perfect” (or any subsection it) meets all needs is futile. Periodization must seen, rather, tool employed historian highlights set developments society, so many are possible and, indeed, desirable depending on what wishes to understand. consider development she articulate from past choose fashion most clearly illuminates development.
Der Islam