Writing Conceptual Histories

Writing Conceptual Histories introduces conceptual history as a research perspective and as a lens through which we can study the past and present. This book provides students and researchers with an overview of, and easy access to, central concepts of conceptual history and its practical applications.

With an introduction that relates conceptual history to historical semantics, rhetoric, intellectual history and discourse analysis, a glossary explaining central analytical concepts, and inspiring case studies of various types of conceptual history, the volume serves readers interested in the theory of conceptual history and those seeking concrete methods for analysis.

Writing Conceptual Histories adopts an innovative case study approach showcasing novel histories of democracy, ideologies, science and technology studies, human rights, compassion, sexual identity, climate change and crisis. The case studies concretely present different ways of writing conceptual history, guiding readers on how to write conceptual history and encouraging them to experiment with a variety of methods.

The volume boasts a variety of pedagogical features, including:

• A glossary of key terms and concepts
• A unique case study approach to theory and method
• Recommended readings at the end of each chapter