Big Research Questions about the Human Condition: A Historian's Will

(Paperback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

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

Jarricks 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 Sciences

Author Bio

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