PHILOSOPHY OF HISTORY: Some Reflections on North-East India

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The book broadly reviews the formulations of the great philosophers of history of the world vis-a-vis the historiography of North East India on a selective basis and states own positioning of the better known historians of the region. In the introduction the author states his own arguments about the merit of historical explanations. In the chapter by well known scholars is discussed and rejected and a ninth, called 'relative objectivity', which, according to the author, "is sustained and preserved by the continuity of historical inquiry without ignoring the significance of historical facts" is added. The author further states that "the task of historiographer is to maintain and preserve the continuity of historical inquiry so as to have a holistic account of such an inquiry". He is "convinced that history is capable of achieving this purpose by adopting the ninth criterion." This position of the author may generate a debate in philosophy of history and several eye-brows are likely to be raised on his positioning of the historians of North East India.

Nevertheless, it is a well known fact that research flourishes through debates and controversies and the scholars contribute more positively by agreeing to disagree. It is hoped that this call is responded to by the scholars in the spirit it has been forwarded.

The book should be of significant importance to historians in particular besides all who have any interest in the historiography of North East India.

About the Author:

Dr. S. C. Daniel, born in 1938, has had a chequered career. He worked as a science teacher in High a school in Chennai, and as a sales representative in Chennai before joining as a lecturer in Philosophy in Union Christian College, Barapani, Meghalaya. He worked there from 1968 to 1980. He, then, joined North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong, as a lecturer in Philosophy in 1980. Since 1984 he has been working as a reader in Philosophy in the same University. He has produced five M. Phils, and five Ph. Ds. He has published many articles in regional and national journals on a wide range of subjects including Philosophy, Philosophy of History, Folklore and Social Problems. He is a recognized scholar of David Hume's Philosophy. He is a first rank holder in M.A. Philosophy from Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu. He is member of various organizations. He is organizing Editor of the Editorial Board of the Journal of the Diocease of North-East India. At present, he is writing a book on Plato, entitled, "Problems from Plato." He has attended many regional and national seminars.