Being a Historian

The video features five scholars discussing their experiences and insights in historical research. Teo Ruiz shares his challenges with archival material, highlighting the specialization in the field. Mary Rubin talks about translating historical texts and the importance of making them accessible. Darren McMahon emphasizes choosing topics that resonate with a broad audience. Richard Janko discusses integrating diverse subjects to gain new perspectives. Quentin Skinner explores the Neo Roman theory of freedom, tracing its development and implications.

What is one of the main challenges historians face when dealing with archival materials?

• Overabundance of historical records

• Excessive funding for historical research

• Difficulty in reading and interpreting old manuscripts

• Lack of interest in historical documents

What did Teo Ruiz find challenging about his experience with archival material?

• The ease of understanding the material

• The lack of historical context

• The abundance of readable documents

• The inability to read the manuscripts initially

Why did Mary Rubin decide to work on translating and editing the text about William of Norwich?

• She was asked by her university to do it

• She wanted to explore Victorian literature

• She was interested in medieval architecture

• She believed the text deserved better service and accessibility

How did Mary Rubin confirm the value of her translation project?

• By receiving feedback from American medievalists

• By analyzing Victorian literature

• By conducting a public survey

• By consulting with European historians

What motivates Darren McMahon in his research approach?

• Seeking topics that resonate with a wide readership

• Focusing solely on niche academic topics

• Concentrating on legal history

• Avoiding philosophical history

What paradox did Darren McMahon explore in his research on genius?

• The superiority of genius over equality

• The contradiction between genius and equality

• The harmony between genius and equality

• The irrelevance of genius in modern society

What is Richard Janko's belief about integrating diverse subjects in historical research?

• It helps in gaining new perspectives on the past

• It limits the scope of discoveries

• It is unnecessary for understanding history

• It complicates the research process

What potential does Richard Janko see in the Herculaneum site?

• It is a site for modern art exhibitions

• It is primarily a tourist attraction

• It may contain thousands of lost ancient texts

• It holds no significant historical value

What is the focus of Quentin Skinner's Neo-Roman theory of freedom?

• The role of divine intervention in freedom

• The importance of economic freedom

• The necessity of political engagement for freedom

• The status of being a free person

What insight did Philip Pettit provide to Quentin Skinner?

• The necessity of divine intervention in freedom

• The irrelevance of political engagement

• The concept of freedom as a status

• The importance of economic freedom