LESSON 1: INTRODUCTION TO HISTORY: DEFINITION,

ISSUES, SOURCES, AND METHODOLOGY

INTRODUCTION TO HISTORY: DEFINITION, ISSUES, SOURCES, AND METHODOLOGY

1. Definition and Subject Matter

2. Questions and Issues in History

3. History and the Historian

4. Historical Sources

1. INTRODUCTION TO HISTORY: DEFINITION, ISSUES, SOURCES, AND

METHODOLOGY

Good day dear students! Thank you for choosing to enroll in our institution. Welcome to
our subject which is GE 4 entitled READINGS IN PHILIPPINE HISTORY.

This subject or course primarily aims to do away from studying Philippine History by
memorizing dates, events or other information. GE 4 was designed for you to appreciate our
history by reading, understanding and analyzing the primary texts that existed and bore
testaments to our colorful past. Please study our lessons well. Enjoy learning!

LESSON 1. INTRODUCTION TO HISTORY: DEFINITION, ISSUES, SOURCES, AND

METHODOLOGY

A. Definition and Subject Matter

B. Questions and Issues in History

C. History and the Historian

D. Historical Sources

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

At the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

1. explain the development of historiography, particularly Philippine Historiography;

2. distinguish knowledge of primary and secondary sources in History;

3. value Filipino history and culture through the primary sources;

4. appreciate the importance of history in the creation of national identities and

development and make it part of Filipino consciousness.

KEY CONCEPTS:

This lesson will discuss the meaning of history (etymological development), historical
methodology and historiography. Emphasis will be given to the effort of Filipino scholars to
develop a Filipino philosophy as basis of historical interpretation.

A. MEANING AND IMPORTANCE OF HISTORY

Socrates in his dialectic argued the importance of coming up with terms before engaging in
a discourse. In this way, there will be common ground for the exchange of discussion. The
appropriation of meaning is complicated for it has to consider several factors such as
historical and cultural.

Gottschalk (1969) posited that the term history has evolved from its present connotation.
Etymologically, history is from the Greek word ιστορία , which means, “to learn”.

Barnes 1963, said history is concerned with the study of the human past. Specifically, we
can give three attributions of meanings to the concept. First, it deals with past events;
second, the records of past events such as, chronicle, annals, official records like birth
certificates, marriage certificates; third, history as an academic discipline.

Dr. Zeus Salazar (2000) defined history as “mga pangyayari na may saysay para sa grupo
ng taong sinasaysayan nito”.

As defined by Medina, “history is not just the past but also and principally the present and
future”. The term history although it means past should not focus on the records of past
events only. Likewise, even though the subject of history is past events, nobody can deny
that it connotes many implications that affect the life of the people and the future of a
country.

Studying History

Studying history is important especially in the Philippine setting. These are the reasons why
we need to study history:
1. We could determine and understand the contribution of our ancestor in the foundation
of our humanity, origin, and inherent culture. History gives picture to our humanity and to
our society.

2. We could understand the task in the present and future if we study the history. The
events in the past has relation to our present and future. It gives meaning in different
things and events in our society.

3. History is used to examine and forecast the things in the environment and society. We
have learned to appreciate culture, love, and respect other people in the world.

4. History can give us deeper understanding of different problems and offer solutions in
our present and future. In the study of the past events, we discover new ways in studying
and in solving problems in the present and future.

5. History is a revelation to understand our culture, language and society. History may
arouse patriotic, humanitarian nature in people.

6. History develops our knowledge about different races of people, culture, place, and time.

7. The stories of the past about people and things in the world we live provide valuable
lessons to us.

1.1. QUESTIONS AND ISSUES IN HISTORY

QUESTIONS AND ISSUES IN HISTORY

Indeed, history as a discipline has already turned into a complex and dynamic inquiry. This
dynamism inevitably produced various perspectives on the discipline.

Why do we need to study history?

A perennial question of a very inquisitive mind. As suggested by Sterns, history must be

included into academics because it is significant both to society and people for it helps us
better understand strengths, our limitations, aspirations and ourselves. Historical events
remind us of the collective experience of the people. All these things serve as glue towards
the realization of a nation.

What is historiography?

Historiography is the art of writing. It refers to the theory and history of historical writing.
The term historiography is rooted from the Greek word historia, which means past
and graphier which means to write. This means that historiography is a scientific way of
writing history that was prominent only during the early 1900s.

Recent developments in historiography broadened the bases of history. The new historicism
pioneered by Michael Foucault provided new perspectives in terms of historian’s
interpretation.

What are the sources of history?

Data like oral history, folklore, indigenous materials and the likes that is traditionally not
considered as sources of history because of the mantra “no document, no history”. It means
that unless a written document can prove a certain historical event, then it not a historical
fact. Fortunately, those data are known as “silences” in history. Baktin noted that silences,
not just the voices in history are important. These developments strengthened the effort of
Filipino historians to write a history that will serve the Filipino people and a historiography
that will offer Filipino perspective.

Schools of Thought

a. Positivism

Emerged between 18th and 19th century. This school of thought requires empirical and
observable evidence before one can claim that a particular knowledge is true. It entails an
objectives mean of arriving at a conclusion. Positivist historians are expected to be objective
and impartial not just in their arguments but on their conduct of historical research.

b. Postcolonialism

Emerged in early 20th century when formerly colonized nations grapple with the idea of
creating their identities and understanding their societies against the shadows of their
colonial past. Looks at two things in writing history: to tell history of their nation that will
highlight their identity free from that of colonial discourse and knowledge; to criticize the
methods, effects and idea of colonialism. Postcolonial history therefore a reaction and an
alternative to the colonial history colonial powers created and taught to their subjects.

1.2. HISTORY AND HISTORIAN

HISTORY AND HISTORIAN

“Facts cannot speak for themselves”. Therefore, its the historian’s job not to seek historical
evidences and facts but also to interpret these facts. It is the job of the historian to give
meaning to these facts and organize them into timeline, establish causes, and write history.
  The historian is not a blank paper who mechanically interprets and analyzes
present historical fact. He is a person of his own who influenced by his own
context, environment, ideology, education and influences, among others.
 The interpretation of the historian is by context and circumstance. His
subjectivity will inevitably influence the process of his historical research: the
methodology that he will use, the facts that he shall select and deem relevant, his
interpretation, and even the form of his writings.
 Historical research requires rigor. Despite the fact that historians cannot ascertain
absolute objectivity, the study of history remains scientific because of the research
and methodology that historians employ.

WHAT IS HISTORICAL METHODOLOGY?

Historical methodology comprises certain techniques and rules that historians follow for
proper utilization of sources and historical evidences in writing history. There are also
certain rules that apply in cases of conflicting accounts in different sources, and on how to
treat eyewitness accounts and oral sources as valid historical evidence.

Annales School of History

A school of history born in France that challenged the canons of history.

Annales scholars:


o
 Lucien Febvre
 Marc Bloch
 Fernand Braduel
 Jacques Le Goff

They were concerned with social history and studied longer historical periods. They
advocated that the people and classes that is not included in the history of the society in the
grand manner needs a space in the records of humankind. Annales thinkers married history
with other disciplines like geography.

1.2. HISTORY AND HISTORIAN

HISTORY AND HISTORIAN

“Facts cannot speak for themselves”. Therefore, its the historian’s job not to seek historical
evidences and facts but also to interpret these facts. It is the job of the historian to give
meaning to these facts and organize them into timeline, establish causes, and write history.
  The historian is not a blank paper who mechanically interprets and analyzes
present historical fact. He is a person of his own who influenced by his own
context, environment, ideology, education and influences, among others.
 The interpretation of the historian is by context and circumstance. His
subjectivity will inevitably influence the process of his historical research: the
methodology that he will use, the facts that he shall select and deem relevant, his
interpretation, and even the form of his writings.
 Historical research requires rigor. Despite the fact that historians cannot ascertain
absolute objectivity, the study of history remains scientific because of the research
and methodology that historians employ.

WHAT IS HISTORICAL METHODOLOGY?

Historical methodology comprises certain techniques and rules that historians follow for
proper utilization of sources and historical evidences in writing history. There are also
certain rules that apply in cases of conflicting accounts in different sources, and on how to
treat eyewitness accounts and oral sources as valid historical evidence.

Annales School of History

A school of history born in France that challenged the canons of history.

Annales scholars:


o
 Lucien Febvre
 Marc Bloch
 Fernand Braduel
 Jacques Le Goff

They were concerned with social history and studied longer historical periods. They
advocated that the people and classes that is not included in the history of the society in the
grand manner needs a space in the records of humankind. Annales thinkers married history
with other disciplines like geography.

1.3. HISTORICAL SOURCES

HISTORICAL SOURCES

The historian’s most important research tools are historical sources. In general, historical
sources are between primary and secondary sources. The classification of sources depends
on the historical subject.
1. Primary sources

Primary sources include documents or artifacts created by a witness to or participant in an

event. They can be firsthand testimony or evidence created during the period that you are
studying.

Primary sources may include diaries, letters, interviews, oral histories, photographs,
newspaper articles, government documents, poems, novels, plays, and music. The collection
and analysis of primary sources is central to historical research.

How to use primary sources on the web?

Keep in mind as you use website, the Web is always changing and evolving. If you have
questions, please consult your instructor or librarian. Primary sources are the evidence of
history, original records or objects created by participants or observers at the time historical
events occurred or even well after events, as in memoirs and oral histories. Primary sources
may include but are not limited to: letters, manuscripts, diaries, journals, newspapers, maps,
speeches, interviews, documents produced by government agencies, photographs, audio or
video recordings, born-digital items (e.g. emails), research data, and objects or artifacts
(such as works of art or ancient roads, buildings, tools, and weapons). These sources serve
as the raw materials historians use to interpret and analyze the past.

Note about primary sources: While there are many digital primary resources available, it is
very important to remember that the majority of primary sources are not available in the
internet.

2. Secondary Sources

Secondary sources analyze a scholarly question and often use primary sources as evidence.

Secondary sources include books and articles about a topic. They may include lists of
sources, i.e. bibliographies that may lead you to other primary or secondary sources.

Databases help you identify articles in scholarly journals or books on a particular topic.

Example: The subject of Philippine Revolution of 1896, students can read Teodoro
Agoncillo’s Revolt of Masses: The Story of Bonifacio and the Katipunan published originally
in 1956.

Example: The subject of Philippine Revolution of 1896, students can read Teodoro
Agoncillo’s Revolt of Masses: The Story of Bonifacio and the Katipunan published originally
in 1956.
  Note to students: Both primary and secondary sources are useful in writing and
learning history. However, historians and students of history need to scrutinize these
historical sources to avoid deception and to come up with the historical truth.

External Criticism is the practice of verifying the authenticity of evidence by examining its
physical characteristics; consistency with the historical characteristic of the time when it has
produced; and the materials used for the evidence.

Things that needs to be examined: quality of the paper, the type of ink, and the language
and words used in the material, among others.

Internal Criticism is the examination of the truthfulness of the evidence. It looks at the
truthfulness and factuality of the evidence by looking at the author of the source, its
context, the agenda behind its creation, the knowledge that informed it, and its intended
purpose.

 Note to students: Validating historical sources is important because the use of

unverified, falsified, and untruthful historical sources can lead to equally false
conclusions. Without thorough criticisms of historical evidences, historical deceptions
and lies will be highly probable.
 1.4. HISTORIOGRAPHY/ HISTORICAL METHOD
 HISTORIOGRAPHY/ HISTORICAL METHOD
 History and historiography are two different things. History is a discipline that focuses
on studying the past; while historiography or historical method is the history itself.
 To make it clearer, historiography lets the students have a better understanding of
history. They do not only get to learn historical facts, but provided with the
understanding of the facts and historians’ contexts. The methods employed by the
historian and the theory and perspective, which guided him will be analyzed.
 Essentially, historiography comprises the techniques and guidelines by which
historians use primary sources and other evidence to research and then to write
histories in the form of accounts of the past.
 The following are some procedures for people who wanted to employ
historiography, as proposed by Bernheim (1889) and Langlois & Seignobos
(1898):
 a. If the sources all agree about an event; historians consider the event proved.
 b. However, majority does no rule; even if most sources relate events in one way, that
version will not prevail unless it passes the test of critical textual analysis.
 c. The source whose account confirmed by reference to outside authorities in some
of its parts can be trusted in its entirety if it is impossible similarly to confirm the
entire text.
 d. When two sources disagree on a particular point, the historian will prefer the
source with most “authority”-that is the source created by the eyewitness.
 e. Eyewitnesses are, in general, to be preferred especially in circumstances where the
ordinary observer could have accurately reported what transpired and, more
specifically, when they deal facts known by most contemporaries.
 f. If two independently created sources agree on a matter, the reliability of each
measurably enhanced.
 g. When two sources disagree and there is no other means of evaluation, then
historians take the source which seems to accord best with common sense.
 Philippine Historiography underwent several changes since the pre-colonial period
until present. Ancient Filipinos narrated their history through communal songs and
epics that they passed orally from one generation to another. When the Spaniards
came, their chroniclers started recording their observations through written accounts.
Filipino historian Zeus Salazar introduced the new guiding philosophy for writing and
teaching history: pantayong pananaw (for us – from us perspective). This
perspective highlights the importance of facilitating an internal conversation and
discourse among Filipinos about our own history, using the language understood by
everyone.