Philosophy of History: A Guide for Students

Philosophy of History is an essential introduction to a vast body of writing about history, from classical Greece and Rome to the contemporary world. M.C. Lemon maps out key debates and central concepts of philosophy of history, placing principal thinkers in the context of their times and schools of thought. Lemon explains the crucial differences between speculative philosophy as an enquiry into the course and meaning of history, and analytic philosophy of history as relating to the nature and methods of history as a discipline.  Part I offers a guide to the principal thinkers from pre-historical times to the present, covering thinkers such as Vico, Hegel, and Marx. Part II is a critical summary of the leading issues raised by critical theorists of history, incorporating topics such as objectivity, ideology, historical explanation and narrative.  Part III revisits the two branches in the light of contemporary contributions to the discipline. This guide provides a comprehensive survey of historical thought since ancient times. Its clear terminology and lucid argument will make it an invaluable source for students and teachers of history alike.