Readings in Philippine History Chapter 1

Meaning of History

• History derives from the Greek word "historia," meaning learning by inquiry.
• Aristotle defined history as a systematic accounting of natural phenomena arranged chronologically.
• History is the scientific investigation of past events, reflecting human societies.

Concepts of History

• History is not just a collection of past events; it's a structured science focused on human societies.
• Numa Denis Fustel de Coulanges emphasizes that history should be treated as a science.
• Zeus A. Salazar states that "Kasaysayan" reflects meaningful narratives that resonate with every Filipino.

Types of History

• Factual History: Focuses on specific details—including when, where, and who of events.
• Speculative History: Explores reasons and motivations behind events, seeking to understand why and how they occurred.

Key Historical Events

• Dr. Trinidad H. Pardo de Tavera published a Filipino perspective on the 1872 Cavite Mutiny.
• On June 1, 1649, Agustin Sumuroy led an uprising against Spanish authorities due to forced labor.
• Museums play a crucial role in preserving human history and individual experiences.
• The Philippines gained independence from Spain on June 12, 1898, following a protracted conflict with American forces.

Role of Historians

• Historians aim to understand the present by examining past events.
• They undertake rigorous research to reconstruct meaningful narratives of history.
• Historiography involves gathering documents from libraries and archives to create a pool of historical evidence.

Limitations of Historical Knowledge

• Historical knowledge is often limited due to incomplete records; many events lack documentation or artifacts.
• The available surviving records represent only a fraction of the overall historical phenomena.

Reconstruction of History

• The project of history is to meaningfully reconstruct the past based on available evidence and inferences.
• The aim is to achieve verisimilitude—truth, authenticity, and plausibility—of historical accounts.
• History is seen as an art that involves sifting through various narratives to find those that closely resemble the truth, per Francis Bacon.

Historical Methods

• Key skills in historical research include selecting subjects for investigation, collecting relevant information, examining sources critically, and extracting credible details.
• The process of historical analysis involves imaginative reconstruction based on gathered data and critical examination.