Meaning of History The word "history" comes from the Greek word "historia," derived from the

verb "historein," meaning "to inquire" or "to witness.”

ancient Greece, "historia" referred to process of investigation and knowledge gained from it or
"narrative of past events."
History is the study and record of past events, actions, and experiences of human. It
encompasses a wide range of subjects, including politics, culture, economics, and social
dynamics.
Aristotle, looked upon history as the systematic accounting of a set of natural phenomena, that
is, taking into consideration the chronological arrangement of the account.
knowledge is derived through conducting a process of scientific investigation of past events.
Theories constructed by historians
Factual history presents readers the plain and basic information vis-à-vis the events that took
place (what), time and date (when), the place and the people that were involved (who).
Speculative goes beyond facts because it is concerned about the reasons for which events
happened (why), and the way they happened (how).
Individuals who write about history are called historians. They seek to understand the present
by examining what went before.
The process of critically examining and analyzing the records and survivals of the past is called
historical method. The imaginative reconstruction of the past from the data derived is
historiography.
The practice of historical writing is called historiography, the traditional method in doing
historical research.
In historical analysis, historians: (1) select the subject to investigate; (2) collect the probable
sources of information on the subject; (3) examine the sources of genuineness, in part of in
whole; and (4) extract credible “particulars” from the sources.
The whole history of the past (called history-as-actuality) can be known to a historian only
through the surviving records (history-as-record), and most of history-as-record is only a tiny
part.
historian’s aim is verisimilitude (the truth, authenticity, plausibility) about a past.
The study of history is subjective process as documents and relics are scattered and do not
together comprise the total object that the historian is studying.
 Studying history is important for several reasons:
1. Understanding the Past - History allows us to understand the past, how societies and cultures
have developed, and the events that have shaped the world we live in today.
2. Learning from Mistakes - By studying historical events, we can learn from both the successes
and failures of the past. This helps us avoid repeating mistakes and make informed decisions in
the present.
3. Cultural Identity - History helps us understand our cultural heritage, traditions, and values,
contributing to a sense of identity and belonging.
4. Critical Thinking - Analyzing historical sources and narratives develops critical thinking skills
5. Context for Current Affairs - Understanding historical context is crucial for comprehending
current affairs, conflicts, and global issues.
6. Social Change - History shows how social, political, and economic changes have occurred over
time
7. Preserving Memory - Studying history ensures that the memories of past events and the
experiences of generations are preserved, preventing them from being forgotten.
8. Appreciation of Progress - Seeing how far societies have come in terms of human rights,
technology, and other areas can foster a sense of gratitude and appreciation for progress.
9. Inspiration - Learning about the achievements of individuals and societies in the past can
inspire us to pursue our goals and make positive contributions.
10.Cultural Diversity - History introduces us to different cultures, societies, and ways of life,
promoting understanding and respect for diversity.
The Values and Purpose of History
1. IDENTITY History nurtures personal identity in an intercultural world. History enables
people to discover their own place in the stories of their families, communities, and
nation.
2. CRITICAL SKILLS History teaches critical 21st century skills and independent thinking.
3. VITAL PLACES TO LIVE AND WORK History lays the groundwork for strong, resilient
communities. No place really becomes a community until it is wrapped in human
memory: family stories, tribal traditions, civic commemorations.
4. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT History is a catalyst for economic growth. Cultural heritage is
a demonstrated economic asset and an essential component of any vibrant local
economy
5. ENGAGED CITIZENS By bringing history into discussions about contemporary issues, we
can better understand the origins of and multiple This can clarify misperceptions, reveal
 complexities, temper volatile viewpoints, open people to new possibilities, and lead to
more effective solutions for today’s challenges.
6. LEADERSHIP History inspires local and global leaders. History provides leaders with
inspiration and role models It may be a parent, grandparent or distant ancestor, a local
or national hero, or someone famous or someone little known.
7. LEGACY History, saved and preserved, is the foundation for future generations. Without
the preservation of our histories, future citizens will have no grounding in what it means
to be a true Filipino.

What is a historical 'source?

A source is something that provides information about the historical topic you are studying.

No matter what you're doing in History, you will use sources. This could be simply learning information
from a textbook or website, or actually looking at ancient artifacts made in the past. Either way, they
provide information about the past and are considered 'sources of information'.
There are two kinds of sources: primary and secondary.

In order to determine whether a particular source is a primary or secondary source, you need to discover
its time of creation.

Primary Sources- a firsthand or original piece of evidence or documentation that was created or
produced during the time period or events being studied.

These sources offer direct insights into the past and are considered essential for historical research.
Primary sources can be published or unpublished documents, visual documents, and artifacts or relics.

These are often the hardest to find but, as a result, are often the strongest evidence you can use in your
assessment pieces.

They are crucial for historians because they provide direct and unfiltered access to the thoughts,
experiences, and actions of people in the past, allowing for a deeper understanding and analysis of
historical events and contexts.

Secondary Sources

Secondary sources in history are works or materials that are created by individuals who were not directly
involved in or present during the events they are describing or analyzing.

These sources are one step removed from the primary sources and are typically produced after the fact.
Secondary sources serve as interpretations, analyses, or summaries of primary source materials and
historical events. Secondary sources are valuable for historians and researchers because they provide
context, analysis, and interpretations of historical events and primary sources.

They help historians gain a broader understanding of historical periods and topics by drawing on the
work of other scholars and experts. However, it’s important to critically evaluate the credibility and
reliability of secondary sources, as the interpretation of historical events can vary based on the author’s
perspective and methodology.

Historical writings are important for several reasons:

1. Preservation of knowledge: Historical writings document the events, cultures, and ideas of the past,
preserving valuable information for future generations.

2. Understanding the past: They provide insights into the motivations, actions, and consequences of
historical figures and events, helping us make sense of our collective history.

3. Learning from mistakes: By studying historical writings, we can learn from the successes and failures of
the past, which can inform decision-making in the present and future.

4. Cultural identity: Historical writings often contribute to a sense of cultural identity and heritage,
helping people connect with their roots and understand their place in the world

5. Accountability and justice: Historical records can be used to hold individuals and institutions
accountable for past actions and injustices, promoting accountability and justice.

6. Research and scholarship: Historians and researchers rely on historical writings as primary sources for
their work, allowing them to delve deeper into specific periods and topics.

7. Shaping the future: A thorough understanding of history can inform policymaking, diplomacy, and the
shaping of a better future by avoiding past mistakes and building on past successes.