Introduction to History: Definition, Nature, Methodology, and Importance PDF

Introduction to History: Definition, Nature, Methodology, and Importance Definition of History Greek origin: From "Historie" or "Historia" meaning "learning, inquiry, or investigation." Branch of Social Sciences: Systematic study of significant past events. - Focus on people and so...

Introduction to History: Definition, Nature, Methodology, and Importance Definition of History Greek origin: From "Historie" or "Historia" meaning "learning, inquiry, or investigation." Branch of Social Sciences: Systematic study of significant past events. - Focus on people and society. - Systematic: Follows methodology to validate facts and evidence. - Significant past: Only events affecting political, cultural, social, or economic aspects are considered part of history. - Chronological sequence: Focuses on significant events. Historiography: study of history - Analyzes the writer, motives, sources, and historical methods. Elements of History 1. Historian: The individual writing history. 2. Place: Location where the history is written. 3. Period: Time context of when the history is written. 4. Sources: Documents and oral accounts supporting the historian's claims. Nature of History as an Academic Discipline 1. History has no subject matter of its own. 2. History synthesizes knowledge from other fields. 3. History illuminates pieces of the past. 4. History is constantly changing. 5. History sheds light to truth. Importance of Studying History (E. Kent Rogers) First, “to know more about the roots of our current culture” Second, “to learn about human nature by looking at trends that repeat through history” and “learn about mistakes of those who have gone before us” Relation of History to Other Social Sciences Archaeology: Study of material remains (e.g., pottery, weapons). Anthropology: Study of human ancestors in relation to physical character and culture. Sociology, Economics: Analyze relations between events, causes, and effects. Sources of History 1. Primary Sources: Direct evidence from eyewitnesses or original materials. 2. Secondary Sources: Interpretations of primary sources. 3. Tertiary Sources: Summaries or compilations of primary and secondary sources (e.g., encyclopedias, textbooks). Types of Historical Sources 1. Archival Materials: Diaries, legal documents, photographs, maps, oral histories. 2. Government Documents: Legislative records, laws, treaties, statistical compilations. 3. Serials: Journals, magazines, newspapers. 4. Books: Comprehensive texts (e.g., biographies, historical studies). 5. Visual and Audio Materials: Films, TV programs, digital recordings. Historical Criticism: Validates sources through two processes: 1. External Criticism: Physical examination of documents. 2. Internal Criticism: Analysis of content accuracy and writer's motive. The following are the elements that have to be taken into consideration in doing validation: 1. Authorship 2. Date and place of publication 3. Textual errors. 4. Meanings of words used Debunking Myths in History 1. Jose Rizal's "Sa Aking Mga Kabata": Authorship: No manuscript exists in Rizal’s handwriting. Textual Errors: Words like "kalayaan" were not commonly used during Rizal’s childhood. Date and place of publication: The poem was first published in 1906, a decade after his death, in a book authored by the poet Hermenigildo Cruz. Meaning of words used: Kalayaan was not a common word in 1869 and there is irrefutable evidence that Jose Rizal himself did not learn the word until he was 25 years old. Rizal first encountered the word atleast by 1872 the years after the execution of GOMBURZA. WILLIAM HENRY SCOTT Examined the pre-Hispanic history of the Philippines. He raised issues on the existence of the Code of Kalantiaw 2. The Code of Kalantiaw: Lack of Evidence: No historical or documentary proof of its existence. Conclusion - History as a Discipline: Follows methodology to establish facts. Uses various sources (primary, secondary, tertiary). Critical analysis ensures the accuracy of historical accounts.