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Carl L. Becker: A Philosophical Analysis, Reed Anderson Olsen

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

In any study of American historiography, Car.l Becker emerges as one of the more prominent historical philosophers. George H. Sabine suggests that interest in Becker's historical writing stems from three main characteristics. First, far more than most academic historians, he was a literary artist, using a very fine prose style which made enjoyable reading. Second, he had an unique understanding of the purposes which should guide and might set the standard of excellence in historical writing. Third, Becker had a broad and keen intellectual curiosity, enlightened by wit and irony and united with a deep moral conviction of the seriousness …