Presentism is a type of historical bias where present-day beliefs, values, and perspectives are applied to the past, often resulting in a distorted view of history. It occurs when historical events, people, or actions are evaluated and judged by modern standards, rather than the context and values of the time in which they occurred. This approach can lead to an oversimplification of complex historical events and misunderstandings about the social, cultural, and political contexts of the past. Presentism can also lead to the misinterpretation of the motivations, actions, and beliefs of historical figures and groups, as well as the suppression of alternative viewpoints and narratives. Historians and scholars aim to avoid presentism by analyzing historical events and contexts within their own historical and cultural contexts, using primary sources, and engaging in critical analysis of the historical record.
Some examples are:
(1) Judging historical figures by modern moral standards: For instance, judging ancient civilizations like the Greeks and Romans for practices that were considered acceptable at that time, such as slavery or patriarchal societies, without taking into account the cultural context of the time.
(2) Applying modern political or social movements to the past: For example, viewing the feminist movement of the 20th century as an inevitable development throughout history, rather than a specific response to social and political events of the time.
(3) Misrepresenting historical figures and events for political gain: For instance, using the historical record to advance political or ideological agendas that are disconnected from the actual historical context, such as denying or minimizing the significance of events like the Holocaust or the transatlantic slave trade.
(4) Erasing alternative narratives: Ignoring alternative perspectives and narratives that challenge dominant historical narratives and instead promoting one singular view of history. This can lead to the exclusion of certain voices and perspectives and reinforce historical biases and stereotypes.
(5) Reinterpretation of historical figures or events based on present-day values: This can lead to distortion or oversimplification of complex historical events and misunderstandings about the social, cultural, and political contexts of the past.
Presentism poses significant challenges to our understanding of knowledge and justification. If only present things exist, how can we know anything about the past or future? Moreover, how can we justify our beliefs about the past or future if they are not grounded in present experience?
Presentism faces challenges to its ontological commitments. The view seems to imply that things that no longer exist, such as dinosaurs, never really existed at all. This is problematic because it contradicts our scientific understanding of the world and the evidence we have for past events.
Presentism struggles to explain why the present moment seems to be unique compared to the past and future. Why do we have memories of the past but not the future? Why can we affect the future but not the past?
Presentism can be seen as ethically problematic because it privileges the present over the past and future. This can lead to a disregard for historical or future harms and injustices, and a lack of concern for future generations.