Rethinking ‘Authority’ in Late Antiquity

Authorship, Law, and Transmission in Jewish and Christian Tradition

Nonfiction, History, Ancient History
Cover of the book Rethinking ‘Authority’ in Late Antiquity by , Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: ISBN: 9781351063401
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: June 14, 2018
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author:
ISBN: 9781351063401
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: June 14, 2018
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

The historian’s task involves unmasking the systems of power that underlie our sources. A historian must not only analyze the content and context of ancient sources, but also the structures of power, authority, and political contingency that account for their transmission, preservation, and survival. But as a tool for interpreting antiquity, "authority" has a history of its own. As authority gained pride of place in the historiographical order of knowledge, other types of contingency have faded into the background. This book’s introduction traces the genesis and growth of the category, describing the lacuna that scholars seek to fill by framing texts through its lens. The subsequent chapters comprise case studies from late ancient Christian and Jewish sources, asking what lies "beyond authority" as a primary tool of analysis. Each uncovers facets of textual and social history that have been obscured by overreliance on authority as historical explanation. While chapters focus on late ancient topics, the methodological intervention speaks to the discipline of history as a whole. Scholars of classical antiquity and the early medieval world will find immediately analogous cases and applications. Furthermore, the critique of the place of authority as used by historians will find wider resonance across the academic study of history.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

The historian’s task involves unmasking the systems of power that underlie our sources. A historian must not only analyze the content and context of ancient sources, but also the structures of power, authority, and political contingency that account for their transmission, preservation, and survival. But as a tool for interpreting antiquity, "authority" has a history of its own. As authority gained pride of place in the historiographical order of knowledge, other types of contingency have faded into the background. This book’s introduction traces the genesis and growth of the category, describing the lacuna that scholars seek to fill by framing texts through its lens. The subsequent chapters comprise case studies from late ancient Christian and Jewish sources, asking what lies "beyond authority" as a primary tool of analysis. Each uncovers facets of textual and social history that have been obscured by overreliance on authority as historical explanation. While chapters focus on late ancient topics, the methodological intervention speaks to the discipline of history as a whole. Scholars of classical antiquity and the early medieval world will find immediately analogous cases and applications. Furthermore, the critique of the place of authority as used by historians will find wider resonance across the academic study of history.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Disability Definitions, Diagnoses, and Practice Implications by
Cover of the book Critical and Cultural Interactionism by
Cover of the book Community Theatre by
Cover of the book Teacher Strategies (RLE Edu L) by
Cover of the book Fascism, Populism and American Democracy by
Cover of the book Ottoman Notables and Participatory Politics by
Cover of the book Theological Aesthetics after von Balthasar by
Cover of the book Red, Black, and Objective by
Cover of the book Lyrics of the Middle Ages by
Cover of the book Private Law in Theory and Practice by
Cover of the book Re-thinking Abortion by
Cover of the book Implementing a US Carbon Tax by
Cover of the book Education, Cultures, and Economics by
Cover of the book A Study of the Kanuri Language by
Cover of the book Creating Healthy Workplaces by
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy