Prosopografie – od nadšení ke skepsi a zpět

• Authors: Jiří Stočes

Title variants

EN

PROSOPOGRAPHY – FROM ENTHUSIASTIC WELCOME TO SCEPTICISM AND BACK AGAIN

• Languages of publication: CS

Abstracts

EN

Prosopography as a method in historical research was adopted in the 1990 with much enthusiasm by Czech historiography, yet without submitting it to a deeper critical analysis. In this polemical contribution the author, based on his own experience, ponders the exactness and efficiency of this method depending on the ratio of its biographical and statistical elements. He also draws attention to several continuing and false concepts connected to prosopographic projects and those carrying them out. Yet, the author maintains, that despite a number of critical and to a certain degree sceptical comments which he makes, prosopography remains an irreplaceable and enriching tool for research of different (clearly defined) social groups. It is, however, fundamental - as with any other method, indeed - to reflect on its limits or weak points and to take these into account during the interpretation of historical research results.

Keywords

EN

PROSOPOGRAPHY; BIOGRAPHY; HISTORICAL STATISTICS; MIDDLE AGES; UNIVERSITY

Discipline

• HISTORY: HISTORY

• Publisher: Institute of History, Czech Academy of Sciences
• Journal: Český časopis historický (The Czech Historical Review)
• Year: 2012
• Volume: 110
• Issue: 3-4
• Pages: 765-775

Contributors

author

Jiří Stočes

• Pedagogická fakulta Západočeské univerzity, Sedláčkova 38, 306 14 Plzeň, Czech Republic