Temporal Vectors and the Compass of History

As truth and expertise come under question, how should we engage with the past? In his 2021 Koselleck Lecture, Ethan Kleinberg diagnoses a crisis in historical representation, arguing that conventional approaches fail to address today’s epistemic challenges. He introduces a new paradigm that views historical events as dynamic forces requiring a more flexible, ethically attuned historiography. Kleinberg calls for a “new compass of history” to counter post-truth distortions, conspiracy theories, and revisionist narratives. His lecture is followed by critical responses from prominent intellectuals Berber Bevernage, Kristin Platt, and Lisa Regazzoni, who examine its implications for the discipline. This volume offers a timely reflection on the role of history in an era where truth and fact are no longer certainties —an essential read for those rethinking how we engage with the past.