The criticism of pre/post labels also extends to chronological dating systems. Replacing BC and AD with BCE and CE broadens the wording, but it retains the same dividing point associated with the traditional Christian calendar. A terminological change can therefore preserve or even reinforce the reference point it was intended to neutralise. Reform has practical limits because historians need a shared chronology, and selecting a wholly new year zero would create its own problems. The aside shows how labels shape historical interpretation even when the underlying chronology remains unchanged.
Notable Point · 8:54-11:24
What BCE and CE reveal about historical periodization
An analogy about BC, AD, BCE, and CE shows how changing labels can leave an older dividing point intact.