S2024:E03
In her lecture, Silke Schwandt examines the interplay between digital humanities and the field of history, advocating for a data-driven approach to historical narrative construction. While acknowledging the advantages of quantifiable data in elucidating historical patterns, Schwandt insists that it is imperative for historians to critically assess both the collection and interpretation of such data.
She draws on the work of Peter Turchin, particularly his book “Figuring Out the Past,” to illustrate how numerical data can inform our understanding of historical events, yet warns against the potential biases that data can introduce into historical discourse. Schwandt also engages with the challenge of integrating qualitative insights with quantitative analysis, arguing for a balanced approach that retains the depth of historical narratives while utilizing the precision of data analysis.
Furthermore, she emphasizes the role of visualizations in shaping historical understanding and the necessity for historians to remain vigilant regarding the tools and methodologies they employ. Ultimately, Schwandt posits that while data can effectively narrate stories about the past, historians must approach it with a critical lens that recognizes its limitations and the complexities of historical interpretation.
Dr. Silke Schwandt is a recognized figure in the field of digital humanities, focusing on the transformative impact of data in historical research. Her contributions highlight the essential dialogue between quantitative methods and qualitative understanding in the ongoing evolution of historical scholarship.
