Mario Bunge and Historiography

Abstract

There are a few instances in which epistemologists or philosophers of science, despite being experts in their fields, address problems related to historiography. From the twentieth century to the present, very few philosophers have worked on, analyzed, or reflected upon these issues from a scientific epistemological standpoint. For this reason, the present study explores the various opinions and criticisms that Professor Mario Bunge formulated regarding historiography – that is, the historical investigation of the past – in several of his works. However, this article does not merely summarize or describe the author’s views or remarks; it also offers a prescriptive analysis of whether such reflections or criticisms are valid. Likewise, it addresses certain issues concerning historiography itself, drawing on specific passages from Bunge’s writings, some more substantial than others.

Keywords

Historiography, epistemology, realism, narrativism, philosophy of history