In publica commoda

Veranstaltung

What is an early modern expert? And why does it matter?

Titel der Veranstaltung What is an early modern expert? And why does it matter?
Veranstalter Graduiertenkolleg „Expertenkulturen des 12. bis 18. Jahrhunderts“
Referent/in Prof. Dr. Eric H. Ash
Einrichtung Referent/in Wayne State University, Detroit, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Veranstaltungsart Vortrag
Kategorie Forschung
Anmeldung erforderlich Ja
Beschreibung The concept of expertise has proven to be an attractive analytical tool for many historians of pre-modern science and technology, though others are concerned that the use of such an anachronistic term threatens to distort our understanding of the past. This is especially true given the importance of “expertise” and similar ideas in the recent revival of a version of Cold-War-era modernization theory, which seeks to explain the advent of modern industrial civilization through entrepreneurial innovation and the intellectual elevation of “useful knowledge.” In his keynote address, Eric Ash will consider what “expertise” might mean in an early modern European context, and discuss some of the analytical advantages and anachronistic perils involved in using “expertise” to make sense of a time and place when the term did not exist. He will also suggest some ways to ensure that historians’ use of the concept does more good than harm in guiding our interpretation of the pre-modern past.
Zeit Beginn: 27.10.2017, 18:15 Uhr
Ende: 27.10.2017 , 19:45 Uhr
Ort Tagungs- und Veranstaltungshaus Alte Mensa (Wilhelmsplatz 3)
Kontakt 0551 39-21230
GK-Expertenkulturen@uni-goettingen.de