The ethics of the researcher in relation to the past and present Cover Image

Etika bádateľa vo vzťahu k minulosti a súčasnosti
The ethics of the researcher in relation to the past and present

Author(s): Peter Švorc
Subject(s): History, Ethics / Practical Philosophy, Methodology and research technology
Published by: Historický ústav SAV
Keywords: Historical research; Ethics of the researcher; Interpretation of history;

Summary/Abstract: The ethical dimension of the work of the historian is multi-dimensional. It is most frequently associated with trivial failure to respect rights of authorship or not mentioning the sources from which a historian drew information, which is perceived as unethical by the lay public as well as the by the professionals. However, the relationship of a researcher to the past and so also his interpretation of the events is hidden from the eyes of the public and difficult to uncover even for experts. It is determined by many factors, especially the fact that a researcher belongs to a particular group in the population and holds its values. This penetrates into his evaluation and description of the past, sometimes leading to underthrusting of the public with his own or group „truth“. The question of the ethical behaviour of the historian appears at this point. It is more serious because the work of a historian is difficult to monitor but has a real impact on society.

  • Issue Year: 64/2016
  • Issue No: 4
  • Page Range: 631-638
  • Page Count: 8
  • Language: Slovak