“What Is History?” is a book written by British historian Edward Hallett Carr and published in 1961. The book explores the nature of history and the role it plays in society. Carr argues that history is not a set of objective facts, but rather an interpretation of those facts, shaped by the historian’s own biases and assumptions.

According to Carr, history is an ongoing dialogue between the past and the present. He believes that the historian’s understanding of the past is shaped by their present situation and the prevailing cultural and intellectual trends. Carr writes, “The facts of history never come to us ‘pure’, since they do not and cannot exist in a pure form: they are always refracted through the mind of the recorder.”

Carr emphasizes the importance of historical context in shaping our understanding of the past. He suggests that historians need to be aware of the cultural and social context in which they are writing and that this context shapes the way they interpret historical events. Carr argues that history is not a set of objective facts, but rather a series of interpretations that are constantly being reinterpreted in light of new evidence and changing perspectives. (Carr, 1961)

In the third chapter, Carr discusses the idea of objectivity in history. He argues that it is impossible to be completely objective in the study of history because historians are shaped by their own perspectives and biases. Carr suggests that historical objectivity is a myth and that historians should instead strive for a critical approach that recognizes their own subjectivity. (Carr, 1961)

Carr also discusses the role of causation in history, arguing that it is impossible to determine a single cause for any historical event. He suggests that history is a complex web of interrelated factors and that historians must strive to understand the multiple causes and influences that contribute to historical events. Carr writes, “All historical events have multiple causes, and the historian’s task is to discover and analyze them.” (Carr, 1961)

In the fifth chapter, Carr explores the idea of historical change and the role of individuals in shaping history. He suggests that history is not a linear progression towards a predetermined end, but rather a result of the choices and actions of individuals and societies. Carr argues that history is a product of human agency and that it is the choices and actions of individuals that ultimately shape historical events. (Carr, 1961)

Carr also discusses the importance of understanding historical continuity and discontinuity. He argues that historical events cannot be fully understood in isolation but must be placed in the context of broader historical trends and patterns. Carr writes, “To understand the significance of a historical event, we must view it in its historical context, and this means understanding the broader historical trends and patterns that led up to it.” (Carr, 1961)

In the seventh chapter, Carr explores the relationship between history and morality. He suggests that historians must be careful not to impose their own moral judgments on historical events and that the study of history should be based on understanding rather than moral evaluation. Carr argues that moral judgments are subjective and can distort our understanding of historical events. (Carr, 1961)

Carr also discusses the importance of language in the study of history. He suggests that language is not neutral but is rather shaped by the cultural and social context in which it is used. Carr argues that language can both reflect and influence the way we think about historical events. (Carr, 1961)

In the ninth chapter, Carr discusses the idea of historical progress. He suggests that historical progress is not a linear or inevitable process but rather a result of the choices and actions of individuals and societies. Carr argues that progress is not a fixed goal but is rather a constantly evolving concept that changes over time. He writes, “Progress is not a fixed goal but rather a process, and what we see as progress at one point in time may not be seen as progress at another point in time.” (Carr, 1961)