Narrative Theory of Historical Knowledge: Conceptual and Methodological Possibilities for Dealing with the Contradictory Past.

• Applicant: Olena Mishalova, Ph.D.
• Subject Area: Theoretical Philosophy
• Term: since 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 527615740

It is widely recognized that the fundamental principles of a democratic rule-of-law state are guaranteed by the force of law. In this context it is interesting to analyze if the narrative theory of historical knowledge can also be a foundation for the development of democracy and socio-cultural (historical and religious) reconciliation. Narrative tolerance as the basic structure of cultural tolerance has an extensive foundational importance for supporting and developing the concept of modern democratic society in the information-oriented globalizing world. We need to elaborate and develop narrative tolerant thinking in the same way as critical thinking. Narrative tolerance essentially rests upon the idea of philosophical pluralism that constitutes one of the main bases of democracy in general. Advancing the narrative tolerance as well as the narrative theory of history in philosophy of history and social philosophy provides us with effective methodological tools for working with (often inconsistent) historical information, in particular in the conditions of modern hybrid wars. The research project has three main research targets: • First, to investigate the contemporary narrative theories of historical knowledge formulated by such American and European philosophers as Arthur Danto, Hayden White, Leon Goldstein, Paul Roth and Chris Lorenz from the point of view of their achievements in search of rational grounds analyzing historical knowledge to the same conditions that apply to scientific knowledge. • Second, to elaborate a notion of narrative tolerance as the basic structure of cultural tolerance on the ground of Paul Roth's theory of a plurality of pasts. • Third, to elucidate the methodological possibilities of narrative theory of historical knowledge for the successful resolution and prevention of protracted political and socio-cultural conflicts. The practical goals of the project include the following: • First, to present and discuss the results of the project investigation at the research colloquium “Logic and Epistemology” at the Philosophy Department I of the Ruhr University in Bochum. • Second, to prepare a number of substantial scientific papers in English and submit them to international philosophical journals, with a perspective that these papers can form a basis for a comprehensive research monograph on the philosophy of history. • Third, to develop a special educational course on the philosophy of history for Ukrainian and German master's students with the aim of creating a common educational environment for cooperation and exchange of scientific ideas.

• DFG Programme: WBP Position