Another thought-provoking post, Bill. Reading it this morning, I was reminded of your previous post, "To judge or not to judge" (https://hwbrands.substack.com/p/to-judge-or-not-to-judge). During our social studies department PLC meetings this morning, I was chatting with the world history teachers about how difficult it is to teach students about how every civilization in the past justified slavery. Instead of judging them (the past) by a standard that didn't exist when they were alive, like you said, we need to look through their eyes and understand (from the past's perspective) why peoples/nations did the things they did.
I just copied your essay-we will read and have a short discussion in tomorrow's APUSH class. I also sent to History major daughter who often wonders "what she will do" when she graduates. Terrific observations about history's ability to analyze character and decision-making.
Glad to hear you are finding it useful.
Amen
Excellent, sir!
Another thought-provoking post, Bill. Reading it this morning, I was reminded of your previous post, "To judge or not to judge" (https://hwbrands.substack.com/p/to-judge-or-not-to-judge). During our social studies department PLC meetings this morning, I was chatting with the world history teachers about how difficult it is to teach students about how every civilization in the past justified slavery. Instead of judging them (the past) by a standard that didn't exist when they were alive, like you said, we need to look through their eyes and understand (from the past's perspective) why peoples/nations did the things they did.
This is fantastic.
So much better than believing that the purpose of history is to make the world more just, according to one point of views.
Dr. Brands,
I just copied your essay-we will read and have a short discussion in tomorrow's APUSH class. I also sent to History major daughter who often wonders "what she will do" when she graduates. Terrific observations about history's ability to analyze character and decision-making.