Historical Consciousness and Practical Life: A Theory and Methodology

"With his detailed, phenomenologically inspired, hands-on study of the workings of historical consciousness, Paul Zanazanian displays what it is we do when we understand and act in relation to the past, animated by an ethical and political aspiration to foster a shared reflexive awareness in the present." Hans Ruin, Professor of Philosophy, Södertörn University

“This is an important and innovative book. It is one of the few contemporary in-depth revisits to the theoretical foundations of how history affects our perception of the world. Zanazanian revitalizes this discussion by moving beyond the outdated idea that historical consciousness is restricted to a modernistic self-understanding; instead, he situates it where it belongs – in a living, vibrating, and ever-changing lifeworld. This book is foremost the result of an innovative project that utilizes theory to make a practical impact, with particular relevance for our troubled and polarized time.” Kenneth Nordgren, Professor of Social Science Education, Karlstad University

“In a field with few book-length studies, Zanazanian’s methodical and outstandingly ambitious elaboration of a practical life methodology sets a new standard for history education research. The author navigates social and historical theory in ways that should serve as a model for researchers, and his insights into the various enactments of historical knowledge should inspire belief among history educators that they can be agents of positive change.” Tyson Retz, Associate Professor of Intellectual History, University of Stavanger

“An indispensable book for anyone investigating and theorizing historical consciousness. Educators, learners, and political leaders will benefit from the thought-provoking insights about how people, in their everyday lives, create narrative meaning. Zanazanian meticulously examines their engagement with the world around them in different social contexts, thinking and acting in space and time.” Maria Grever, Professor Emeritus of Theory of History and Historical Culture, Erasmus University Rotterdam

“In this rich and complex study, Zanazanian offers a novel approach to the understanding of history. Using the province of Quebec, with its linguistic struggles and traditions, as his laboratory, Zanazanian demonstrates how historical consciousness allows us to make sense of our present and think, feel, and act in our daily encounters with the world.” David Carr, Professor Emeritus of Philosophy, Emory University