History of Historians

1) Herodotus:

Herodotus was a Greek historian who lived in the 5th century BCE. He is often referred to as the “father of history” due to his groundbreaking work, “The Histories,” which is considered one of the earliest and most comprehensive accounts of the ancient world. Herodotus was born in Halicarnassus, a city in modern-day Turkey, in around 484 BCE.

Herodotus’ approach to writing history was heavily influenced by his travels and experiences. He traveled extensively throughout the Mediterranean world, and his observations and interactions with various cultures and peoples informed his writing. Herodotus believed that the purpose of history was to understand and explain the actions and motivations of people, and he placed great emphasis on the role of culture, geography, and religion in shaping human behavior.

One of the most distinctive features of Herodotus’ writing is his use of storytelling and anecdotes to bring history to life. He believed that by telling stories about the past, he could capture the imagination of his readers and help them understand the complexities of history. Herodotus was also interested in exploring the relationship between myth and history, and he often wove elements of mythology into his accounts of real events.

In addition to his storytelling, Herodotus was also a keen observer of political and social institutions. He was particularly interested in the ways in which different forms of government and societal structures affected the behavior of people. Herodotus was critical of tyrants and despots, and he believed that democracy was the best form of government, as it allowed for the participation and input of all citizens.

Herodotus’ work has had a lasting impact on the field of history. His approach to writing history as a narrative, rather than a dry recitation of facts and dates, has influenced generations of historians. Herodotus also demonstrated the importance of cultural context and the role of storytelling in shaping our understanding of the past.

However, Herodotus’ work has also been criticized for its accuracy and reliability. Some of his accounts are considered to be exaggerated or unreliable, and his tendency to blend fact and myth has led some to question the validity of his work. Nonetheless, Herodotus remains a seminal figure in the history of Western thought, and his innovative approach to writing history continues to inspire historians and scholars to this day.

2) Thucydides:

Thucydides was a Greek historian and general who lived in the 5th century BCE. He is best known for his work “The History of the Peloponnesian War,” which chronicles the long and devastating conflict between Athens and Sparta. Thucydides was born in Athens around 460 BCE and was the son of Olorus, a member of the Athenian aristocracy.

Thucydides’ approach to writing history was heavily influenced by his own experiences as a military leader. He served as a general in the Peloponnesian War, and his firsthand observations and participation in the conflict informed his writing. Thucydides believed that the purpose of history was to understand and analyze human behavior, particularly in times of crisis and conflict.

One of the key themes in Thucydides’ work is the role of power and ambition in driving human behavior. He believed that the desire for power and prestige was a fundamental motivator of human action, and he argued that this desire was often the cause of wars and other conflicts. Thucydides was also interested in the relationship between politics and society, and he examined how changes in political institutions and social structures affected the behavior of people.

Another important aspect of Thucydides’ philosophy of history was his emphasis on objectivity and accuracy. He believed that the historian’s duty was to record events as they happened, without bias or distortion. Thucydides took great care to collect and verify his sources, and he believed that accurate reporting was essential to understanding the underlying causes and motivations of historical events.

Thucydides’ work has had a profound impact on the field of history, and his approach to writing history has influenced generations of historians and scholars. His emphasis on the importance of accurate reporting and analysis of historical events has become a cornerstone of the discipline, and his insights into the motivations of human behavior continue to resonate with scholars and researchers today.

However, Thucydides’ work has also been criticized for its limitations. Some scholars have pointed out that his focus on the actions of powerful elites has led him to neglect the experiences and perspectives of ordinary people. Others have criticized his view of history as a linear and deterministic process, in which events unfold in a predictable and inevitable manner.

3) Plutarch:

Plutarch was a Greek historian, biographer, and philosopher who lived in the first century CE. He was born into a prominent family in the small town of Chaeronea in central Greece, and he received a thorough education in literature, philosophy, and rhetoric. Plutarch’s work is characterized by a deep appreciation for the virtues of ancient Greece and Rome, and he sought to use history and biography to promote a sense of moral education and civic responsibility.

Plutarch’s philosophy of history was closely tied to his broader ethical and political concerns. He believed that the study of history and biography could be used to cultivate virtue and character, and he saw the lives of great men and women as a source of inspiration and guidance for contemporary society. Plutarch was particularly interested in the relationship between individual character and political leadership, and he believed that the virtues of good leaders could have a transformative effect on society as a whole.

One of Plutarch’s most influential works is his “Parallel Lives,” a series of biographies of famous Greeks and Romans, which he wrote in the second century CE. In this work, Plutarch sought to provide a comparative analysis of the lives and achievements of famous individuals from both cultures, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses, and emphasizing the importance of virtue and character in achieving greatness.

Plutarch’s approach to writing history was also characterized by a deep sense of humanism and empathy. He believed that history and biography should not simply be a collection of facts and dates, but should also be a reflection of the human condition and the challenges and struggles faced by individuals throughout history. Plutarch was particularly interested in the psychological and emotional dimensions of human experience, and he sought to capture the complex inner lives of the individuals he wrote about. Plutarch’s work has had a profound impact on the field of history, biography, and philosophy.

His emphasis on the importance of character and virtue in political leadership has been influential in shaping the ideals and values of Western civilization, and his insights into the psychology of human behavior continue to inform our understanding of the complexities of human experience. Plutarch’s work has also inspired countless writers and thinkers over the centuries, and his influence can be seen in the works of writers such as Shakespeare, Montaigne, and Emerson.

Despite the enduring legacy of his work, Plutarch has also been the subject of criticism and controversy. Some scholars have questioned the accuracy and reliability of his sources, while others have criticized his idealized and sometimes romanticized portrayals of historical figures. Nevertheless, Plutarch remains a seminal figure in the history of Western thought, and his innovative approach to writing history and biography has had a profound impact on the way we understand and interpret the past.

4) Ibn Ishaq (d. 761AD):

Ibn Ishaq was a prominent Muslim historian who lived during the 8th century CE in what is now modern-day Saudi Arabia. He is best known for his work on the life of the Prophet Muhammad, which is considered one of the most important and influential biographies of the  Prophet in Islamic history.

Ibn Ishaq was born in Medina, and he was a contemporary of many of the Prophet’s companions. He received a thorough education in Islamic law, history, and literature, and he became known for his extensive knowledge of the life and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad. He is said to have traveled widely throughout the Islamic world, gathering information and sources for his writings.

Ibn Ishaq’s philosophy of history was shaped by his deep commitment to Islam and his belief in the importance of recording and preserving the history of the early Muslim community. He saw his work as a means of transmitting the teachings and practices of the Prophet Muhammad to future generations, and he believed that the accurate and detailed recording of the Prophet’s life was essential for understanding the foundations of the Islamic faith.

In his famous biography of the Prophet Muhammad, known as the “Sirat Rasul Allah,” Ibn Ishaq sought to provide a comprehensive and authoritative account of the life and teachings of the Prophet. He drew on a wide range of sources, including the accounts of the Prophet’s companions, the traditions and sayings of the Prophet, and his own extensive knowledge of Islamic history and literature.

One of the key features of Ibn Ishaq’s biography is its focus on the Prophet’s character and personality. Ibn Ishaq sought to capture the essence of the Prophet’s humanity, presenting him not as a distant and unapproachable figure, but as a compassionate and wise leader who was deeply committed to the welfare of his community. Through his portrayal of the Prophet’s life, Ibn Ishaq sought to provide a model of leadership and moral guidance that could be emulated by Muslims throughout the ages.

Ibn Ishaq’s work has had a profound impact on Islamic history and scholarship, and it continues to be widely read and studied by Muslims around the world. His approach to writing history, which emphasized the importance of accurate and detailed recording of events, as well as his focus on the human dimensions of historical figures, has been influential in shaping the Islamic tradition of historiography. Ibn Ishaq’s work also serves as a valuable source of information about the life and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, and it continues to inspire and guide Muslims in their spiritual and moral journey.

5) Ibn-e-Khaldun:

Ibn-e-Khaldun was a prominent Arab historian and philosopher who lived during the 14th century in what is now modern-day Tunisia. He is considered one of the most influential thinkers in the history of Islamic scholarship, and his work had a profound impact on the development of historical and social sciences.

Born into a prominent family of scholars and government officials, Ibn-e-Khaldun received an extensive education in Islamic law, theology, literature, and philosophy. He began his career as a government official and diplomat, serving in various positions in North Africa and Andalusia.

However, it was his groundbreaking work in the field of historiography that would make him famous. Ibn-e-Khaldun’s philosophy of history was based on his belief that historical events were shaped by social, economic, and political factors, and that the study of these factors was essential for understanding the course of human history.

In his magnum opus, the “Muqaddimah” (Introduction), Ibn-e-Khaldun laid out his philosophy of history in detail. He argued that the rise and fall of civilizations were the result of cyclical patterns of social organization, in which societies progressed from a state of tribalism to a state of civilization, and then declined as a result of corruption and decadence.

Ibn-e-Khaldun’s philosophy of history was based on his concept of “asabiyyah,” or social cohesion, which he believed was the driving force behind the rise and fall of civilizations. According to Ibn-e-Khaldun, asabiyyah was strongest in the early stages of a civilization, when people shared a common bond of tribal or ethnic identity. As the civilization progressed, however, asabiyyah weakened, and the society became more fragmented and prone to decline.

In addition to his contributions to the field of historiography, Ibn-e-Khaldun also made significant contributions to the fields of sociology, economics, and political science. He believed that the study of these disciplines was essential for understanding the complex factors that shape human societies and civilizations, and he used his extensive knowledge of these fields to inform his philosophy of history.

Ibn-e-Khaldun’s work had a profound impact on the development of Islamic scholarship, and his ideas continue to be studied and debated by scholars around the world. His emphasis on the role of social, economic, and political factors in shaping historical events, as well as his concept of asabiyyah, have been influential in shaping the modern field of social sciences. Ibn-e-Khaldun’s legacy as a historian and philosopher is a testament to the enduring power of his ideas, and his work continues to inspire and challenge scholars in their pursuit of knowledge and understanding.

6) Hegel:

Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel (1770-1831) was a German philosopher who is widely regarded as one of the most influential thinkers in the Western philosophical tradition. Hegel was born in Stuttgart, Germany, and studied philosophy at the University of Tübingen. He later served as a professor at the University of Jena, the University of Heidelberg, and the University of Berlin.

Hegel’s philosophy of history is a central component of his thought. In his view, history is not simply a series of random events, but rather a rational process that unfolds according to a certain logic. This process is driven by the conflict between opposing forces, which he referred to as thesis and antithesis. Over time, these opposing forces come into conflict, leading to a synthesis that represents a higher level of development.

Hegel believed that the study of history was essential for understanding the present, as well as for predicting the future. By examining the development of human society over time, he believed that it was possible to identify patterns and trends that would allow us to better understand our own era.

One of the most famous aspects of Hegel’s philosophy of history is his concept of the “dialectical process”. This process involves the clash between two opposing forces, which eventually leads to a resolution that represents a higher level of development. This process is seen as a fundamental aspect of human progress, as it allows for the continuous development and refinement of ideas and institutions.

Hegel’s philosophy of history was deeply influenced by his belief in the importance of human freedom. In his view, human beings are fundamentally free and are capable of shaping their own destinies. This freedom is expressed through the choices that individuals and societies make over time, which ultimately shape the course of history.

Another important aspect of Hegel’s philosophy of history is his emphasis on the role of the state. Hegel believed that the state was the most important institution in human society, as it provided the framework for the development of individual freedom and the realization of collective goals. He argued that the state should be seen as an organic entity that was capable of evolving and adapting to changing circumstances over time.

In addition to his philosophy of history, Hegel made important contributions to a wide range of philosophical topics, including metaphysics, epistemology, and ethics. His work remains highly influential in contemporary philosophy, and continues to inspire debates and discussions about the nature of human existence and the meaning of history.

7) A. J. Toynbee:

Arnold Joseph Toynbee (1889-1975) was a British historian, philosopher of history, and international affairs scholar. He is best known for his 12-volume work A Study of History, published between 1934 and 1961, in which he presents a theory of history and a broad interpretation of the human experience.

Toynbee was born in London, England, and was the son of Harry Valpy Toynbee, a classical scholar and professor of Greek at the University of Oxford. He attended Oxford University, where he earned his undergraduate degree in classics and later a doctorate in history. He was heavily influenced by the works of German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche and British historian and philosopher R.G. Collingwood.

Toynbee’s philosophy of history was centered on the idea of “challenge and response.” He believed that the progress of human civilization was driven by the response to challenges faced by societies. He divided the history of humanity into 21 civilizations and argued that civilizations rise and fall in response to the challenges they face. He believed that the failure of a civilization to adapt and respond to a challenge would lead to its decline and eventual collapse.

Toynbee saw the world as a single unit and believed that the fate of each civilization was interconnected with others. He argued that the study of history was essential for understanding the present and predicting the future. He believed that a deeper understanding of history could help humanity to avoid the mistakes of the past and create a better future.

Toynbee was also a prominent scholar of international affairs and a strong advocate for international cooperation. He believed that the problems of the modern world, such as war, poverty, and environmental degradation, could only be solved through global cooperation and the creation of a world government.

In addition to his seminal work A Study of History, Toynbee also wrote numerous books on international affairs, including The World and the West, which examined the relationship between Western and non-Western civilizations.

Toynbee’s philosophy of history has been both praised and criticized. Some scholars have praised his sweeping vision of history and his emphasis on the interconnectedness of human civilization. Others have criticized his Eurocentric perspective and his tendency to view history as a deterministic process. Regardless of the critiques, Toynbee’s influence on the field of history and his vision of a global and interconnected humanity has left a lasting impact on the way we understand the world and our place in it.

8) E. H. Carr:

Edward Hallett Carr (1892-1982) was a British historian and diplomat who made significant contributions to the field of historiography. Carr was educated at Trinity College, Cambridge and later became a fellow of the college. He served as a diplomat in the British Foreign Office during World War I and later worked in the League of Nations Secretariat. Carr returned to academia after leaving the Foreign Office and taught international relations at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth and later at Trinity College, Cambridge.

Carr’s most famous work, “What is History?”, was published in 1961 and remains a seminal text in the field of historiography. In this work, Carr challenges the traditional view of history as an objective and neutral recording of past events. He argues that history is subjective and shaped by the biases and interests of historians. Carr contends that historians cannot separate themselves from their own historical context and that the way they write history reflects their own social and political values.

Carr also emphasizes the importance of context and the interrelationship between past and present. He argues that history cannot be understood in isolation from its contemporary context and that historians must constantly re-evaluate their understanding of the past in lightof new information and changing circumstances.

Carr’s philosophy of history is often referred to as “historical relativism”. This view emphasizes the importance of understanding the cultural and historical context in which historical events occur. Historical relativism rejects the idea of an objective and universal history, instead emphasizing the subjective and contextual nature of historical understanding.

Carr’s work has been both influential and controversial within the field of historiography. His emphasis on the importance of subjectivity and contextual understanding has been seen as liberating by some historians, allowing for a more nuanced and critical approach to the writing of history. However, others have criticized Carr’s rejection of the possibility of objective historical truth, arguing that it leads to a relativism that undermines the value and importance of historical study.

Despite the controversies surrounding his work, Edward Hallett Carr remains an important figure in the field of historiography. His contributions to the understanding of the subjective nature of historical understanding and the importance of contextual analysis continue to influence historians and shape the study of history today.

9) C.D. Broad:

Charlie Dunbar Broad (1887-1971) was a British philosopher who made significant contributions to the fields of epistemology, metaphysics, and philosophy of mind. Broad was educated at Cambridge University, where he would eventually become a professor of moral philosophy. He was heavily influenced by G.E. Moore and Bertrand Russell, and his work often engaged with their ideas.

Broad’s philosophy of history was shaped by his interest in metaphysics and his belief in the importance of exploring the nature of reality. In his view, history was a record of human interactions with reality, and the study of history was thus an important tool for understanding the nature of reality itself.

Broad’s approach to history was also influenced by his skepticism about the possibility of discovering objective truths about the past. He argued that historical inquiry was necessarily subjective, as the historian was inevitably influenced by their own biases and prejudices. Broad believed that it was important for historians to acknowledge this subjectivity, and to be transparent about their own biases and assumptions.

At the same time, Broad argued that historical inquiry was not completely subjective, and that there were certain criteria that could be used to evaluate historical claims. These criteria included the coherence and consistency of a historical narrative, as well as its compatibility with other established facts about the past.

One of Broad’s most influential contributions to the philosophy of history was his concept of the “temporal perspective.” According to Broad, the temporal perspective involves viewing events from the perspective of the past, rather than imposing our present-day values and assumptions onto historical events. Broad believed that adopting the temporal perspective was crucial for understanding historical events in their proper context.

Broad was also interested in the relationship between history and science. He argued that history and science were not fundamentally different types of inquiry, but rather that they shared a common aim: the discovery of truth. However, Broad believed that the methods of inquiry used in historical and scientific research were different, and that historians needed to be aware of the unique challenges and limitations of historical inquiry.