Historical Method

Quentin Skinner discusses his historical method, emphasizing the importance of understanding key figures' works as interventions in pre-existing dialogues. He critiques the tendency to make concepts canonical and stresses the need to humanize historical figures by considering their motivations and context. Skinner highlights the challenges of interpreting texts and the importance of understanding them as responses to specific questions, drawing on Collingwood's logic of question and answer.

What are the implications of understanding the motivations behind a historical text according to Skinner?

Why does Skinner believe it is important to consider the context in which a historical text was written?

What does Skinner identify as a key aspect of interpreting texts from historical figures?