Causation in History

Some Lessons from the Mahābhārata

Abstract

This paper explores the complexities of causation in history, challenging the traditional, linear narratives often presented in historical scholarship. By engaging with David Graeber and David Wengrow’s The Dawn of Everything, the paper questions the tendency of modern history to impose rigid causal explanations on past events. The analysis extends to philosophical critiques of causality by figures like Nassim Nicholas Taleb and Friedrich Nietzsche, who argue that human reasoning often oversimplifies complex realities. The paper also considers the Mahābhārata as a case study, showcasing how ancient Indian traditions approach causation in a polycentric, multi-layered manner, contrasting with the reductionist views of modern history. Ultimately, the paper argues for integrating the philosophical ‘why’ with the scientific ‘why’ in historical inquiry, acknowledging that while human actions are part of nature, they cannot be fully explained by scientific reasoning alone. In this broader framework, understanding human history requires a nuanced approach that transcends narrow scientific causality while embracing the philosophical and ethical dimensions of human existence.