The Noetic Effects of Sin: Subjectivity and Objectivity in Telling History

In a recent broadcast of the Reformed Forum the guest speaker was Carl Trueman, professor of historical theology and church history at Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. Dr. Trueman is the author of a new book, Histories and Fallacies: Problems Faced in the Writing of History. I will not comment on the book itself since I have not read the book. I will, however, be offering comments about what Dr. Trueman said in this promotion of his book at the Reformed Forum: Historical Methodology.

This brief introduction of the book is given by Richard Muller, Professor of historical theology at Calvin Theological Seminary:

"Carl Trueman’s cogent and engaging approach to historiography provides significant examples of problems faced by historians and the kinds of fallacies frequently encountered in historical argumentation. Trueman steers a clear path between problematic and overdrawn conclusions on the one hand and claims of utter objectivity on the other. His illustrations, covering several centuries of Western history, are telling. He offers a combination of careful historical analysis coupled with an understanding of the logical and argumentative pitfalls to which historians are liable that is a service to the field and should provide a useful guide to beginning researchers. A must for courses on research methodology."

To read the entire response to Carl Trueman's interview on the Reformed Forum, click here.

Hat tip to Charlie Ray at Reasonable Christian for this article.