Abstract
M.A. (Philosopy)
This dissertation is a preliminary investigation of William Dray's work on explanation in history, viewed in its philosophical context. The reasons for undertaking it were: Firstly, to introduce Dray's work as a systematic whole to South African historians and philosophers of history. No previous attempt to systematize Dray's theory of explanation being traceable, the major accent falls on description rather than criticism or an attempt to offer an alternative theory. Secondly, the author is convinced that the crisis currently affecting history can best be resolved through a greater awareness by historians of the
contribution philosophy can make to historical practice. By showing that Dray's 1t.0rk is of value to the practising historian and that it is the product of applying Ordinary Language Philosophy to philosophy of history, the author hopes to increase this awareness. The latter rrotif played a major role in structuring the dissertation In chapter one, the author outlines the purpose of and reasons for the study, indicating that it deals with a highly relevant topic, directly involved with many major issues in the philosophy of history. This introduces a discussion of the author's views on the nature of history. The chapter concludes with definitions of unusual and important terms used. Chapter two places Dray's work in its philosophical context (Analytical Philosophy). It comprises a brief description of Mcore's Corrirron Sense Philosophy, Logical Atomism and, in greater detail, Logical Positivism up to circa 1950. Because Dray's work is clearly part of the Ordinary Language tradition, it receives more attention and those characteristics which are most obvious in Dray's work are highlighted. The author concludes that Ordinary Language Philosophy is a specific approach and way of thinking, rather than a body of doctrine. In chapter three, examples of Dray's work are discussed to show that they are typical products of Ordinary Language Philosophy. The suggestion that Dray is an Idealist philosopher of history is examined and the conclusion reached that, while his work indicates certain Idealist assulrDtions, it is clearly a product of Ordinary Language Philosophy. Chapter four comprises a discussion of Dray's concept of explanation. Aspects of his theory which are discussed include: the minimum condition for an explanation, the various sorts and types of explanation Dray identifies and the subjectivism of his concept of explanation. - Chapter five is a discussion of Dray's "rational model" of explanation. The model is discussed in detail and certain criticisms and conirion misconceptions are examined. The author concludes that the rational model is a valuable theoretical contribution to the practice of history, but may be difficult to implement. In chapter six, the relevance of the rational model for South African historiography is examined. By an analysis of extracts from three historical works, the model is shown to be very relevant for South African historians, and and often used by them. However, there is decidedly rocm for improvement. The dissertation closes on a renewed plea for the recognition of the value of philosophy for the practice of history.