Past Facts and the Nature of History
Adrian Currie|Daniel Swaim
Abstract We defend a realist account of history: past facts are discoveries not creations. show how ‘moderate’ realists, who admit the critical role perspective, while insisting on history’s metaphysical independence from historians, can accommodate Paul Roth’s arguments in favor irrealism. Moreover, our position is consistent with dynamic past: as history unfurls events gain new properties. Realism necessary, we argue, to capture substantive disputes within history. It also grounds reflexivity: point continual re-examination (and history!) turns part there being mind-independent be had.
Journal of The Philosophy of History|Open Research Exeter (University of Exeter)