The historian, history and us

Análisis de las concepciones sobre la historia presentes en el debate en torno a la enseñanza de historia reciente

Abstract

The article studies the conceptions of the historian's work and the nature of historical science present in political actors and opinion makers, as shown by the opinions and arguments expressed during the debate on recent history that was unleashed in August 2006 as a result of Professor Carlos Demasi's remarks. The central argument is that, leaving aside the political aspect -characterized by the opposition's distrust of the government's intentions- the debate showed that there are misconceptions among prominent actors in Uruguayan society about the work of the historian and the nature of historical knowledge. In this context, the conflict between a scientific historical discourse and discourses on the past that support partisan identities stands out.