Reading The History Manifesto as a Historian of Mathematics in Ancient China

摘要

The History Manifesto invites historians to consider the social and political responsibilities attached to their profession. This general concern is equally meaningful for the field of history and for the history and philosophy of science and technology. The specific concerns that motivate Jo Guldi and David Armitage lead them to advocate the "longue duree" and to insist primarily on social inequality, climate change, and governance. The concern on which this response to The History Manifesto centers is historians' social responsibility in the waging of wars and their ethical responsibility at least not to contribute to mounting tensions. For the historian Lucien Febvre, in the immediate aftermath of World War II, a history of science and culture practiced in a certain way had a specific part to play in this regard. Febvre's practice of long-term history differed from Fernand Braudel's approach to the longue duree, in the tradition of which Guldi and Armitage situate their manifesto. This essay suggests that a historical approach to long-term history, sensitive to the concern Febvre voiced, might be helpful. It argues that long-term histories of science and technology practiced in a certain way have contributed to shaping collectives that perceive themselves as communities. Critical analysis of our practices as historians could certainly help develop awareness in our field in this respect.