Date: 2013
Type: Article
Entagled positions : from comparative and transnational history to histories of possible meanings
Tilman KULKE, Moritz VON BRESCIUS, Robrecht DECLERCQ and James WHITE (eds), Current historiographical research at the European University Institute, Zeitenblicke, 2013, Vol. 12, No. 1
OLESEN, Brian Kjær, Entagled positions : from comparative and transnational history to histories of possible meanings, Tilman KULKE, Moritz VON BRESCIUS, Robrecht DECLERCQ and James WHITE (eds), Current historiographical research at the European University Institute, Zeitenblicke, 2013, Vol. 12, No. 1
- https://hdl.handle.net/1814/28003
Retrieved from Cadmus, EUI Research Repository
In this essay I present a critical reassessment of comparative and transnational history. Drawing our attention to the problem of meaning and historicity, I argue that reconsidering the theoretical underpinnings of these approaches provide us the opportunity to rethink central aspects of our vocation. The structure of the argument is threefold. First I present an empirical case study focusing on the reception of Montesquieu's The Spirit of the Laws in eighteenth century Denmark-Norway. Secondly, I discuss the theoretical implications of classical positions within comparative and transnational history, placing some emphasis on their inherent tensions and frictions. Applying these approaches to the empirical example, I point out a number of problems particular to each perspective. Finally, introducing a concept of what I shall call 'histories of possible meaning', I attempt to overcome some of the most pressing theoretical problems inherent in comparative and transnational history.
Cadmus permanent link: https://hdl.handle.net/1814/28003
ISSN: 1619-0459
External link: http://www.zeitenblicke.de/2013/1
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