O idei archiwum. Kilka uwag

The idea of an archive. A few remarks article is a reflection on the so-called “archival turn” – movement in humanities that emerged 1990s. author contemplates three ideas archive, characteristic for this movement: those presented by French philosophers Paul Ricoeur, who links archive with historical epistemology, demonstrating its primarily scientific function, and Michel Foucault his oppressive, power-related role as well German anthropologist Aleida Assmann, situates dialectical relationship between memory oblivion, seeing it kind mental anchor roots us past. concludes these contemporary thinkers effected what could be called desacralization Instead “sacred place” where traces past are preserved, accessible only to initiated, they outline concepts more pragmatic dimension, occasionally revealing oft-hidden functions related place public life. At same time, inspire answers question why do we need archives? After all, no longer just store documents preserve them. Archivists historians actors responsible storing interpreting documents. emphasizes text may provide motivation depart from metaphors trace, memento, artifact or document, favour description materiality objects. To some extent, also indirectly address process structuring archival practices, often involving ethical dimension. They question: subject archiving not, how material selected, responsibility archivist regard building specific narrative around fonds? study concluded observation time will tell whether all numerous activities designed commemorate would give rise new model archives respond differently, maybe better, challenges present.