Abstract
"The abuse of history is common and quite possibly once more on the rise. Although this is well documented, there is no general theory that enables historians to identify, prove, explain, and evaluate the many types of abuse of history. In this book, the author presents such a theory. Reflecting on the responsible use of history, the author identifies the duties that the living has toward the dead and analyzes the rights to memory and history necessary to fulfill these duties. He concludes his argument by proposing a code of ethics as a guide for responsible historians. This work is vital for any historian who wants to oppose and prevent the abuse of history.
Table of Contents
Foreword
Jürgen Kocka
A word of gratitude
Acknowledgments
List of tables and appendixes
Introduction
PART I: IRRESPONSIBLE HISTORY
Chapter 1. A theory of the abuse of history
Chapter 2. The dictator’s secret archives
Chapter 3. Defamation cases against historians
PART II: RESPONSIBLE HISTORY
Chapter 4. Duties of the living to the dead
Chapter 5. The rights to memory and history
Chapter 6. A code of ethics for historians
Epilogue
Bibliography
Biographical note
Index
Table of Contents
Foreword
Jürgen Kocka
A word of gratitude
Acknowledgments
List of tables and appendixes
Introduction
PART I: IRRESPONSIBLE HISTORY
Chapter 1. A theory of the abuse of history
Chapter 2. The dictator’s secret archives
Chapter 3. Defamation cases against historians
PART II: RESPONSIBLE HISTORY
Chapter 4. Duties of the living to the dead
Chapter 5. The rights to memory and history
Chapter 6. A code of ethics for historians
Epilogue
Bibliography
Biographical note
Index