what is history?

The term history comes from the Greek historia (ἱστορία), "an account of one's inquiries," and shares that etymology with the English word story. History is a word of multiple meanings, all related to the past. History seeks to establish a chronological order of events, allowing us to understand how and why things unfolded over time.

More broadly, as explained in the 1911 Encyclopædia Britannica, "history in the wider sense is all that has happened, not merely all the phenomena of human life, but those of the natural world as well. It is everything that undergoes change; and as modern science has shown that there is nothing absolutely static, therefore, the whole universe, and every part of it, has its history."

Traditional and Modern Understanding of History

Traditionally, the study of history was viewed as a component of the humanities, along with topics like literature. However, history is increasingly being categorized as a social science in modern academia, particularly where chronology is the main focus.

Modern historical understanding frequently depends on in-depth investigation, evidence-based analysis, and a critical evaluation of the sources. Historians employ techniques like archival research, oral history, and interdisciplinary approaches to learn about the past.

The way that history is traditionally understood varies from culture to culture. Both methods have validity, but modern history favors objectivity and truth while traditional history frequently focuses on cultural and moral precepts. It's essential for one to understand that both modern and traditional approaches can be useful in studying the past. These methods can coexist and offer important new perspectives on how we comprehend the past.

According to Edwards (2022), the word ‘historian’ is as a result so ambiguous in applied usage that the authoritative Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “a writer of history; especially: one who analyzes events critically, as opposed to a chronicler or compiler.” By that definition, virtually anyone who writes about a past event, regardless of the factual or analytical quality of that writing, is a ‘historian’. Historians use a variety of sources, such as written documents, artifacts, oral histories, and archaeological evidence, to reconstruct and narrate the past. Their work helps us gain insights into the causes and effects of historical events and their impact on the present and future. Historians often specialize in specific time periods, regions, or topics to develop expertise in their chosen field of historical research.

Role of Historians

Historians play a crucial role in society by studying and interpreting the past. Their work involves researching, analyzing, and documenting historical events, people, and societies. The role of historians can be summarized as follows:

Preservation of Knowledge: Historians work to preserve the collective memory of societies. They document events, cultures, and ideas, ensuring that they are not forgotten over time. This preservation helps us understand how societies have evolved and how they arrived at their current state.

Interpretation and Analysis: Historians analyze historical evidence, such as documents, artifacts, and oral traditions, to make sense of the past. They seek to understand the causes and consequences of historical events, as well as the motivations and actions of individuals and groups.

Contextualization: Historians provide context for historical events. They explore the social, political, economic, and cultural factors that influenced the past. By placing events in their proper context, historians help us better understand why things happened the way they did.

Fostering a Sense of Identity and Belonging: Historians contribute to the formation of national and cultural identities by helping people understand their historical roots and shared experiences. This can foster a sense of belonging and unity within communities.

Education: Historians contribute to education by teaching students about the past. They create curriculum materials, write textbooks, and lecture at universities, schools, and museums. Through education, historians help individuals become informed citizens who can critically evaluate historical claims.

Historiography is the study of the methods, theories, and approaches used in the writing, interpretation, and analysis of history. Briefly, it is the history of history. When delving into historiography, your focus isn’t on directly examining the past itself. Instead, you analyze how historians have viewed and interpreted past events, understanding that these interpretations evolve over time. For example, If you were to study the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonial rule, you wouldn’t be transported back in time. Instead, you’d analyze how historians from various periods have interpreted the revolution. Early 20th-century accounts might emphasize heroism, while more recent scholarship could focus on its complex socio-political context, offering different lenses through which to view this historical event.

primary and secondary sources

Primary sources are the raw components of history, originating from the period, location, or people being studied. It includes archival documents, oral histories, artifacts, photographs, and images. Secondary sources are generated by authors by analyzing primary materials to build broader narratives that frame historical events. Documentary films, academic journals, and biographies are one of the secondary sources.

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What is a “Historian”? (n.d.). https://www.somegreymatter.com/historian.htm

The Historical Archivist Guild