historical question
[/hɪˈstɒrɪkəl ˈkwɛstʃən/]
nounpl: historical questions
questão histórica
1. A question or inquiry concerning events, facts, or interpretations of the past
The historical question of who first discovered America remains debated among scholars.
A questão histórica de quem descobriu primeiro a América continua sendo debatida entre estudiosos.
2. In rhetoric and debate, a question asked not to elicit information but to make a point, often implying an obvious answer
When the speaker asked 'Can we ignore the lessons of history?' it was a historical question designed to emphasize the importance of learning from the past.
Quando o orador perguntou 'Podemos ignorar as lições da história?' era uma questão histórica destinada a enfatizar a importância de aprender com o passado.
3. An unresolved or controversial matter related to historical interpretation or academic inquiry
The historical question of the true authorship of Shakespeare's plays continues to intrigue researchers.
A questão histórica sobre a verdadeira autoria das peças de Shakespeare continua intrigando pesquisadores.
This term is commonly used in academic, journalistic, and intellectual discussions in both Brazil and the USA. In Portuguese-speaking contexts, it often appears in historical debates and educational materials. The concept is particularly important in both Brazilian and American historiography, where contested interpretations of historical events frequently generate scholarly discourse and public debate.
Related Idioms & Phrases
the historical question at hand
a burning historical question
historical questions of our time
to settle a historical question
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