How Historical Consciousness does and does not Work: Multiple Experience of Exploration of Temporal Dimension

Abstract. This article analyzes the general nature and peculiarities of historical consciousness. The science of history and a professional historian are discussed in the broader context of the basic functions and mechanisms of historical consciousness, along with other forms of mastering experience of temporal changes. The novelty of the paper lies in a comparative analysis and typology construction of adequate and reduced types of historical consciousness, namely: mythological, spontaneous, stereotyped, postmodern, possessionist and futurocentric. The paper considers main provisions of classic works and a contemporary level of scientific knowledge in the field of methodology of history, theory of historical consciousness and historiography. It is concluded that methodological reflection in the historical research entails the activation of intrinsic mechanisms of historical consciousness, which is possible thanks to the humanitarian and culturocentric basis of the historical science. The metanarrative component of any historical narrative, including scientific, is inevitable and cannot be ignored. Frequent recourse to the mechanisms of historical consciousness and its reflection by community members continuously improve their adequate perception of themselves in the present and support their identity. Modern historical science plays an important role in this process, despite the disciplinary delimitation of the universal-historical and futuristic constructions.

Keywords: historical consciousness, metanarrative, the writing of history, universal history, historian, temporal orientation, fact.