THE CHALLENGES OF HISTORICAL OBJECTIVITY: HISTORY AS A BRIDGE BETWEEN THE PAST AND PRESENT

ANIEFIOK IDARA HANSON

Abstract


Everyone brings his own mind to the study of history, and approaches it from the point of view which is characteristic of himself and his generation. The attempt to eliminate this ‘subjective element’ from history is always insincere-it means keeping your own point of view while asking other people to give up theirs-and always unsuccessful. The attainment of historical objectivity in history and historical writing has been found to be challenged by clash of ideas, personalities, personal histories, opinions, interpretations, social pressures, and different ages. In response to this, this paper excurses into the mixed and myriad challenges that are vexing the possibility of achieving total objectivity or achieving a reasonable degree of objectivity in history. The paper concludesthat for the foreseeable future, different views is a better step towards achieving the goal of history and objectivity is the best tool to enhance bodies of historical knowledge.

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