The Role of Digital Tools in Historical Research: A Study on the Intellectual Network of Gerbert of Aurillac

Authors : Bedia Göktepe, Muhammed Nurullah Parlakoğlu

Pages : 497-510

Doi:10.48120/oad.1475270

View : 3 | Download : 3

Publication Date : 2024-12-26

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :This study employs digital tools to visualize the intellectual network of Pope Sylvester II (Gerbert of Aurillac) and to compare it with established historical narratives. Rather than applying a specific method comprehensively, the study reveals the benefits and limitations of the first use of three different digital tools by comparing them with the literature. In the first chapter, where the text analysis method is applied, Gerbert\\\'s life until Reims is discussed to provide the background for this analysis. The application of Voyant Tools has enabled the visualization of words that frequently appear in Gerbert\\\'s published letters, thereby providing an overview of his world. In the second part, Map-This, an artificial intelligence (AI) visualization tool, was employed. This tool generates a contextual chart based on index data from Gerbert\\\'s letters and visualizes the relationships he established throughout his tenure in Reims. However, including terms in the visualization that are not found in the original source text is a drawback that should be considered. In the final section, a sociogram representing Gerbert\\\'s intellectual network was created using Flourish, a web-based visualization tool. The social network analysis method reveals Gerbert\\\'s information network through the recipients of his letters requesting books. The fact that his book requests focused on secular rather than theological issues shows that his intellectual environment differed from the typical papal context. This multi-tool and phased approach demonstrate the effectiveness of digital tools in examining historical networks, providing a basis for further studies.
Keywords : Aurillac, Entelektüel Ağlar, Metin Analizi, Yapay Zeka (YZ), Sosyal Ağ Analizi, Dijital Tarih