Preliminary Examination in GEPLH: History Intro

Introduction to History

• Origin of the term "history" from the Greek word "histor," meaning "inquiry" or "knowledge from inquiry."
• Studies the human past, creating narratives of past events significant to mankind.
• Functions as a chronological record, providing both artful narrative and scientific analysis.
• Considered a branch of social sciences.

Issues in History

• Concept of "HISTORY = HIS STORY" highlights the subjective nature of historical narratives.
• Addresses the importance of social memory in preserving past events.
• Emphasizes the need for accurate reporting and understanding causation in historical events.
• Critiques the presentation of history and its potential biases.

Points of View in History

• Idealism: Focuses on ideas behind historical events, suggesting historians can reinterpret the past.
• Historicism: Emphasizes the value of understanding past events within the context of their time.
• Relativism: Asserts that all historical perspectives are valid, rejecting absolute truths.

Importance and Use of History

• Offers a sense of personal and social identity.
• Aids in understanding contemporary issues by learning from past mistakes.
• Good history counters misleading analogies and teaches critical thinking skills.
• Promotes tolerance and open-mindedness, enriching understanding of human behavior.

Theoretical Assumptions in the Study of History

• Positivism: Advocates for an objective approach based on empirical evidence to claim historical truths.
• Postcolonialism: Concerns former colonies in defining national identities in light of colonial history and critiquing colonial influences.

Sources of History

• Primary Sources:
  • Original documents from the time period under investigation.
  • Includes firsthand accounts like personal journals, letters, and artifacts, serving as the foundation for historical research.
• Secondary Sources:
  • Analysis or commentary based on primary sources.
  • Includes history books, articles, and other narrative forms that synthesize and interpret past events.

Concepts of Historical Analysis

• Historical Revisionism: Reinterpretation of historical narratives based on validated facts and evidence.
• Historical Distortion: Manipulation of history to align with personal agendas, often involving disinformation.

Checking Authenticity and Reliability of Primary Sources

• External Criticism: A method employed to assess the authenticity of historical documents and accounts.