Ο ΘΕΟΔΩΡΟΣ ΜΑΝΟΥΣΗΣ ΚΑΘΗΓΗΤΗΣ ΙΣΤΟΡΙΑΣ ΣΤΟ ΠΑΝΕΠΙΣΤΗΜΙΟ ΑΘΗΝΩΝ (1837-1858)

Abstract

This essay is focused on the historical thought of Th. Manoussis, professor of «Universal History» in the University of Athens (1837-1858). It is organised around two central themes: the first one is to delineate the internal reasoning of Universal History as it is manifested through the theory, the methodology and the teaching of history; secondly, using «Manousseia» (social upheaval that was provoked by the content of the teaching of the professor in Athens of 1848) as a starting point and placing Manoussis within the intellectual context of his time, the author attempts to investigate society's demands on history. The essay argues that: 1. During the 18th and 19th c, historical science was structured around three key-concepts: Philosophy - Divine Providence - Universality. In the new -scientific- context of history, terms, which originated from a theological past, acquired a different -secular- meaning. 2. In 19th c. Greece, the national reading of history had not yet been consolidated. This allowed Manoussis to recognise in Byzantium the historical continuity of Greek history, without identifying it with national history. 3. In order to be recognised as «Truth», history was required by the society to play a didactic role. In other words, history was not accepted as a scientific, but rather as a moral and legitimising system.