This paper explores in how far the perpetual production of contemporary significance of the – textual – past may contribute to widening our common notion of the category of intellectual history. Arguing against the mainstream of a “presentalist teleology”, we reconsider sophisticated textual practices of conservation, adaptation and dissemination of texts. They exemplify a plurality of wide spread, if not universalized epistemological and intellectual frameworks which predate and inform modernity. The concept of historicity, often used as a colonial tool projecting true-false dichotomies, may thus be complemented by a more inclusive vision of interrelated contexts.
The Max Weber Foundation promotes global research, focused on the areas of social sciences, cultural studies and the humanities. Our research is conducted at ten institutes in various countries across the globe with different and independent fields of focus. Through our globally operating institutes, we are able to contribute to the communication and networking between Germany and our host countries or regions. By promoting academic dialogue and merging academic and non-academic employees from several countries with different cultural backgrounds, the Max Weber Foundation is able to strengthen the internationalization of research.