Jörn Rüsen is a German historian and cultural theorist whose work centers on the interpretation of the past and the formation of historical consciousness. Rüsen explores how people and societies understand and narrate their pasts, examining how these narratives shape the present. His approach is marked by an interdisciplinary conception of history, connecting historical scholarship with cultural studies and philosophy. Through this lens, he offers profound insights into the dynamics of historical thinking and its role in constructing identity.
Focusing on the systematic and historical aspects of humanism, the book delves into its manifestations and functions within cultural studies. It examines the role of humanism in contemporary contexts while bridging history and philosophy, making it an ideal resource for readers interested in exploring this intellectual movement's evolution and significance.
As one of the premier historical thinkers of his generation, Jörn Rüsen has made enormous contributions to the methods and theoretical framework of history as it is practiced today. In Evidence and Meaning, Rüsen surveys the seismic changes that have shaped the historical profession over the last half-century, while offering a clear, economical account of his theory of history. To traditional historiography Rüsen brings theoretical insights from philosophy, narrative theory, cultural studies, and the social sciences, developing an intricate but robust model of “historical thinking” as both a cognitive discipline and a cultural practice—one that is susceptible neither to naïve empiricism nor radical relativism.
This book is a breakthrough in illuminating humanism. For the first time it is presented in an intercultural perspective. It introduces Chinese, Indian, African, Islamic, and Western traditions into the intercultural discussion about basic issues of understanding the human world. By this means it recognizes different disciplinary perspectives: history, philosophy as well as religious, literary and gender studies. Special emphasis is put on the controversial relationship between humanism and religion. This complex network of argumentations is an answer to the challenge of cultural orientation at the age of globalization. Humanism is brought to life as a synthesis of transcultural values and a mutual and critical recognition of cultural differences.
Highlighting the significance of reason and methodical rationality, the author explores the evolution of historical thinking from the 18th century to the present. As a leading cultural historian, he examines various aspects and developments in historiography while acknowledging the postmodernist narrative approach. His work emphasizes the critical self-reflection within the humanities and positions historical studies as essential for cultural orientation in everyday life, reinforcing their relevance in contemporary society.