Big Research Questions about the Human Condition
A Historian's Will
Published on 5. April 2022
Book
Paperback/Softback
160 pages
978-1-83998-530-0 (ISBN)
Description
The book is a manifesto-like essay aiming to redress some globally present drawbacks characterizing current research in the humanities: 1. Fragmentation and thematic volatility; 2. A reluctance to acknowledge that humanities research is a truth seeking enterprise as all scientific research; 3. A certain unwillingness (or inability) to ask clear questions and to provide distinct answers to these questions. The book consists of three parts: A. Introduction, where the problem and the purpose of the book is presented; B. six chapters, each presenting a certain topic that I suggest that humanist scholars gather around with sustained efforts; C. Conclusion with some words of how to proceed and a section discussing what the humanities or should and are not or should not be.
Reviews / Votes
Jarrick's is one of the best inquisitive minds in humanities today. He not only identifies the Big Questions but identifies ways forward. This is a book that should inspire funders and academic leaders. - Poul Holm, Professor of Environmental History, R, MEA Chair Humanities Class, Director, Trinity Centre for Environmental Humanities, Trinity College Dublin, Guest Professor, Department of Historical Studies, Gothenburg University, Honorary Research Associate, McDonald Institute, University of Cambridge This is a convincing demonstration of the value of the Humanities for society, raising questions which should and can be answered through humanistic methods, also in close articulation with other sciences. The author moves apart from the undermining of the Humanities as a mere collection of opinions, suggesting their understanding not only as promoters of debate but as knowledge builders. - Luiz Oosterbeek, Professor of archaeology at the Polytechnic Institute of Tomar, Portugal, and Secretary General of the International Council for Philosophy and Human SciencesMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Dimensions
Height: 229 mm
Width: 152 mm
Thickness: 9 mm
Weight
245 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-83998-530-0 (9781839985300)
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Schweitzer Classification
Person
Married, four children, six grandchildren; professor emeritus of history at the Centre for the Study of Cultural Evolution, Stockholm University; former secretary general for the humanities and social sciences, Swedish Research Council; former Vice-president of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences; et cetera
Content
List of Illustrations; Acknowledgements; I: Questions and Answers - Background, Motivations and Aims; Ii: Suggested Questions; 1: What Explains That Some Kinds of Knowledge Are Widely Accepted Whereas Other Kinds of Knowledge Are Rejected?; 2: Why Do Some Societal Processes and Phenomena Develop in a Circular or Repetitive Way Whereas Other Processes Evolve Along a Cumulative Trajectory?; 3: Why Do Social Norms Change, Despite the Fact that their Mission is to be Sustained? What Role Do Non-Conformist Individuals and Minority Groups Play in Cultural, Cognitive and Normative Change?; 4: Does a Gradual Extension of Our Lifespan (and the Rise of Welfare) Imply a Growing or Declining Ability to Postpone the Satisfaction of Our Needs and Desires?; 5: What Explains the Widespread Diffusion of Inequality and the Gradual Emergence of Egalitarianism Over the Centuries?; 6. Why Do People Appropriate Aesthetic Experience (Both as Producers and Consumers of Cultural Manifestations), and What Are the Individual and Societal Functions of Such Experiences?; What Lies Ahead?; Appendices; Notes; References; Index.