contestability

Contestability is the idea that two separate sources can draw different conclusions about a historical person, concept or event.

Contestability most commonly occurs between two modern sources, typically academics, who have studied the surviving material in detail, but hold two different interpretations of the past.

The ability for different interpretations is often caused by a lack of surviving primary sources for anyone to know for certain which interpretation is most likely to be correct. On these occasions, the different interpretations are both considered valid until further evidence is found.

contestability

How do I identify contestability?


When you are reading and researching sources, look for any of the following:

If you notice any of the above, it could indicate that the topic you are investigating is contestable. On such occasions, take the time to record the names of the different sources and record how they understand the topic. It might also be worthwhile recording the evidence each source quotes to justify their interpretation.