‘Limiting the Authority of Historical Knowledge’: Postmodern Critique of ‘Historicism ’ and ‘History’

The postmodern discourse on the nature of knowledge is constructed on the authority and reliability which different forms of knowledge claim in various walks of life. This discourse has challenged the major formations of modernity, claiming a sort of objective, authentic and reliable knowledge in comparison with non-evidential forms of knowledge such as arts, literature and revelation. ‘Historical Knowledge ’ in the form of ‘historicism ’ and ‘history ’ is considered fundamental embodiment of modernity. The paper deals with the question what are the major elements of postmodern critique of ‘historical knowledge ’ and how it challenges the authority claimed by ‘historical knowledge’. Focus on the discourse shall help us understand the place of ‘history ’ in now current space of knowledge