Abstract

Bloch speculated that the future of history might depend upon the comparative method. Whereas the "romantic" method sought the origins of a subject, Bloch's method began with the most recent model. Bloch adopted the comparative method of linguistics. Sewell has identified different levels of comparison in Bloch's work. The most rudimentary is the comparison of evidence from different sources. A second level compares situations in which there is a single outcome variable. A third, "higher" level requires the construction of a criterion model and its comparison with other areas of historical experience. The most fruitful aspect of Bloch's model is that it highlights differences. This demonstrates not only the change of institutions, but their inherent complexities and potentialities. The purpose of Bloch's method was to provide an increased understanding of what he considered the subject matter of science, "men in time."