Text 1: Historian Dr. Mary Foster studies historical causation. "Large structural forces—economics, technology, institutions—determine historical outcomes," Foster argues. "Individual actions matter only within these constraints."
Text 2: Historian Dr. Paul West emphasizes contingency. "Pivotal moments turn on individual choices," West contends. "Different decisions by key figures could have produced dramatically different outcomes. History isn't fated."
What is the fundamental historiographical disagreement between Foster and West?
Whether history can be studied at all
Whether structures or individual agency primarily drive historical change
Whether economic factors exist
Whether institutions are relevant to history
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the correct answer. Foster emphasizes structures ("large structural forces...determine"). West emphasizes agency ("individual choices" matter). This is the classic structure vs. agency debate in historiography.
- Evidence: Foster: structures determine; West: individuals shape.
- Reasoning: Different levels of analysis produce different explanations.
- Conclusion: Structure vs. agency is the core disagreement.
Choice A is incorrect because both practice history. Choice C is incorrect because economics is part of Foster's structures. Choice D is incorrect because both acknowledge institutional relevance.