Economic History in Western Europe: Bridging Verstehen and Erklären

Overview & Synopsis

In this chapter, wie es eigentlich gewesen (ist) —as it actually happened— and zu den Sachen selbst —to the things themselves— resonate particularly through the engagement with the concepts of Verstehen — understanding— and Erklären —explaining—, two methodological poles in dynamic tension that continue to shape research in economic history in Western Europe, and arguably at the global level.