A Cognitive Historical Approach to the Mechanisms of Historical Perception(1)

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to establish a new historical theory called 'Cognitive History,' which explores how human cognitive structures and psychological mechanisms interact with historical events and social changes. To this end, it attempts a conceptual analysis of 'stereotype' one of the mechanisms that influence human historical perception. Cognitive History does not merely reconstruct the past or remain within postmodern skepticism; instead, it focuses on imparting historicity to and interpreting the meanings of various mechanisms such as stereotypes, prejudices, images, representations, and cognitive biases that intervene in the process of historical recording. Specifically, this research analyzes stereotypes, a core mechanism of historical perception, based on achievements in cognitive science, philosophy of language, and social psychology. Stereotypes provide cognitive efficiency as 'mental shortcuts(heuristics)' used by the brain to grasp the complex external world. However, they simultaneously perform an 'orientational function' that causes conflicts and animosity between groups by distorting objects and solidifying the boundaries between 'us' and 'them'. In conclusion, by analyzing the historical origins and social influence of these cognitive mechanisms, Cognitive History will be able to gain a profound understanding of human behavioral patterns in specific eras. Ultimately, this will contribute to enhancing the social utility of historiography in resolving conflicts related to ethnicity, race, and gender in modern society.