Passage Discussion

by **andrewgong01** Thu Nov 23, 2017 2:09 am

Passage Map
P1 : Intro to what is a grand theory with two examples
P2: Popularity of grand theory but declined as it is not that explanatory
P3: Nostalgia + Potential for hope / silver lining in the fact that we feel nostalgic for determinism

Author: Comes out around line 42 when he/she says "finally persuade us to relinquish the vain hope for inevitability and hence restore us to the contemplation of historical contingency" and later on Line 47: "what is NEEDED...[historical contingency]" . In short, the author does not really like the logic/theme of grand theories and wants a more open view towards history. Question 27 touches on this point.

Scale: Grand Theory Determinism vs Author's historical contingency (i.e. flexible) approach to understanding history. (I personally did not find this important and I don;t think I thought of this until typing this)