Theoretical Discussion in Soviet Medieval Studies 1951–1953

The article deals with the discussion about theoretical works of Boris Porshnev in 1951–1953. The aim of this study was to explain a tremendous shift from the classbased ideological approach to periodization of European history (Porshnev) to an economic-oriented approach (Evgeny Kosminsky, Sergey Skazkin, etc.) while the paradigm of Short Course and marxist methodology have remained unchanged since the 1930s. Defeating Porshnev wasn’t Kosminsky’s party only piece of struggle for academic freedom. The main results of this discussion was, firstly, the reconfiguration of a convention about what is the objectivity and “scientific statement” in the medievists’ academic community, and, secondly, the final definition of a disciplinary boundaries. The author further stresses that theoretical issues, actively discussed in soviet historiography in the late 1950–1960s, was, in part, initiated by scholars themselves before the death of Stalin, and were not directly related to a political liberalization during the Khrushchev Thaw

Epistemology · Political science · Historical Geopolitical and Social Dynamics · Philosophy · Soviet and Russian History