The historian job, A new paradigm or positivism?

Abstract

In this paper we try to sum up new and international trends and debates, considering the transatlantic and latin viewpoints about methods, historiography, theories, and the relationship between the 21st century historians and the society. Taking as a starting point the preamble of the Manifesto of History under Debate (2001) and also the most recent debates about had in social networks, we will analyze the polarization of the historians between the ones who think that we need new paradigms without forgetting about the 20th century vanguards, and the ones who, in complete disagreement with the radical postmodern approaches, want the return of positivism. We will study this historiography withdrawal through the assertions, methods and clichés that are said and practiced inside and outside of the classrooms and offices. Many digital and oral data seem to demonstrate an important uniformity between the different specialties, Universities and countries, about Ranke’s return.