Oblikovanje srednjovjekovne stvarnosti – sociologija znanja i povijest
Shaping the medieval reality: sociology of knowledge and history

Summary/Abstract: This paper discusses the theoretical concept and practical applications of sociology of knowledge in the study of medieval history. Sociology of knowledge views the actions and behaviours of the members of a community as determined by the body of social knowledge fostered by the ruling elites. These elites try to impose their own notions of the everyday reality, and their attempts in turn depend on their interests and on the social circumstances. Consequently, as this essay suggests, we must take into account the diverse symbols of power and government that these elites successfully employ in securing their authority and reign within a social community. Sociology of knowledge, thus, offers a novel approach to the study of Croatian Middle Ages, hitherto little utilized by Croatian historians. This approach may prove useful in the study of relationships between ruling structures and their subjects, collective memory and remembrance, as well as the ways in which these are informed by the elites.

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