Objective
"The TANES project, Truth, Truthlikeness, and Trust: Shaping Reality in Ancient Near Eastern Societies, investigates why formal truths were established and how misinformation was used in Old Babylonian (OB) documents (2003-1695 BCE). Through interdisciplinary approaches, it aims to redefine our understanding of truth construction in ancient societies, significantly impacting both Assyriology and broader studies of historical information dynamics. As Van McGhee notes, truth is essential for understanding group and individual behavior. In ancient societies, truth's socially constructed perception validated interpersonal bonds, with trustworthiness of information and its conveyors crucial for the stability of political, religious, and social groups. However, the authenticity of information often conflicted with its intended use.
The project explores the concept of ""truthlikeness,"" introduced by Karl Popper, which allows for varying degrees of informational manipulation. This focus shifts from traditional truth (factual reality) to a strategic use of truth and misinformation that served specific social and political purposes in Mesopotamian society. OB documents, especially from the royal archives of Mari, show how truth was shaped to influence decisions and maintain social order, often relying on trust in supernatural validations rather than factual accuracy. The project analyzes a carefully selected corpus of political correspondence and legal documents to uncover the deliberate manipulation of truth and the role of trust. This examination includes rhetorical strategies, performative speech, and the construction of socially accepted truths within OB political and legal contexts. TANES seeks to break new ground by applying contemporary theories of truthlikeness and information manipulation, offering fresh insights into ancient societies' information dynamics and contributing significantly to both Assyriology and broader historical research."
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-GF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - Global Fellowships
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
00185 Roma
Italy
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.