Readings in Philippine

History

Introduction to the Study of

History
By Professor Mark Lino Decena
Is history a boring
subject? And what
makes it boring?
What
is
Histor
y? History is the
science that
deals with the
study of past
events
What isHistory (in
Philippine Context)?
“Ang kasaysayan ay
salaysay na may saysay
para sa isang grupo ng tao
na may kakanyahan at
identidad na nakasandig
sa sariling wika at
kalinangan.”
-Zeus Salazar
“”History originated
as a derivation of
historia, an ancient
Greek term for
learning
through inquiry
(Hoefferle, 2013).”
History is one of the earliest branches of
the social sciences
The Greeks are
known to have
pioneered this
careful and
methodical study
since the time of
Herodotus.
 Herodotus- Father of
History
Thucydides- Greek
historian and author of
the book “History of the
Peloponessian War.”
 The Greeks used fossils
of both humans and
animals to guide them in
their studies.
The study of history leads
us to analyze the structure
of society of a given
period, its community and
government, languages
and the emergence of
philosophy and religion.
History is not only the recording
of chronological events but the
understanding of the
relationship between history and
archaeology.
Our understanding of history is
not complete without an
understanding of the relevance
of events in the past.
“”In order to achieve
a so-called “total
history” all aspects of
man’s past must be
integrated. This can be
done by examining the
circumstances
underlying the
political, social,
cultural and economic
aspect.”
- Fernand Braudels.”
History can be a source
of unity
History as a polarizing
tool
The Process of Recording
History
1. Developing A Framework
The framework refers to
the organization and
direction that the
researched information
will follow to present a
unique yet analytical
perspective of history.
For example:
A particular framework may follow the
perspective of a Filipino historian rather than a
non-Filipino historian.
With this framework, those
who were considered as
bandits, fanatics, and
pirates by American
colonizers may be perceived
as heroes and martyrs who
fought for the freedom and
independence of the
Philippines.
2. Gathering Data
According to
Garraghan and
Delanglez (1946),
historians need
authentic sources
to make an
accurate and
reliable recording
Included in these sources,
aside from written
documents, are artifacts,
customs, beliefs, habits and
traditions, as well as oral
sources in the form of songs
and epics.
 For example:
a. The fossils of the
Tabon Man found in
the Tabon Cave in
Palawan
b. Interviews with
World War II
veterans.
3. Analyzing Sources and Data
Researched materials and
sources are analyzed and
evaluated thoroughly to
verify their authenticity
and accuracy. They are also
studied carefully for their
relevance in certain
periods.
Researched materials
and sources are analyzed
and evaluated
thoroughly to verify their
authenticity and
accuracy. They are also
studied carefully for their
relevance in certain
periods.
 a. The Laguna
Copperplate was
meticulously and
thoroughly deciphered
and analyzed to verify its
authenticity.
 For example: The
electronic spin resonance
is a method that enables
historians to analyze and
estimate the lenght of
time fossils have been
buried before their
discovery. This method
was used in the
discovery of the Tabon
man.
4. Understanding the Meaning and
Relevance of Data
This new understanding is
relevant in providing a wider
perspective of ancient history
and civilization. It shows that
even before the introduction of
Christianity by the Spaniards
early Filipinos had a profound
belief in the afterlife.
5. Reconstructing History
This final stage refers
to the actual writing
process when all data
and sources of
information have been
analyzed, evaluated,
and pieced together to
form a chronological,
consistent and
accurate time line.
 Why Study History?
.
History contributes to
Moral Understanding
(instills the sense of
justice and teaches
accountability).
 Why Study History?
History provides
identity
 Why Study History?
History helps us
undertand people and
societies and expand
our knowledge
 Why Study History?
History teaches skills
necessary for life and
other areas of studies.
 Why Study History?
History is essential for
good citizenship
The Relevance of History to other Social
Sciences
Geography
and history are
effective
approaches in
getting to
know where
we live in.
Geography plays an
important role in the
development of
country’s history,
culture, and tradition.
The shape, size and
physical boundaries of a
country is created and
formed out some
historical events.
The Relevance of History to other Social
Sciences
A certain level of
knowledge of political
science is relevant to the
study of history. It is
about the role of politics
and government in
society. Political events
influence the course of
history. ety.
The Relevance of History to other Social
Sciences
This study focuses on the
efforts of the individual to
meet their needs with the
limited resources of their
environment. It gathers
and analyzes data about
the different aspects
related to work of the
individual.
The Relevance of History to other Social
Sciences
Sociology deals with the
study of the relationship of
individuals with their
immediate community,
surrounding, institutions
and prevailing social
systems.
The Relevance of History to other Social
Sciences
The study of psychology
focuses on the different
types of characteristics of
personalities of man. The
study of history reveals the
differences among men
when it comes to behavior,
habits and practices.
The Relevance of History to other Social
Sciences
Ethics deals with moral
standards. It studies the
right and wrong actions
of individuals in society.
The Relevance of History to other Social
Sciences
History shows how
religion was used as a
means for colonial
conquest and
expansion.
Theology/Religion
studies the nature of
God and his relation to
man and the universe .
The Relevance of History to other Social
Sciences
Anthropology is the study
of human beings in
relation to distribution,
origin, classification and
relationship of races,
physical character,
environmental and
culture.
The Relevance of History to other Social
Sciences
Philosophy is the study
of the concept of truth
or the principles that
explain the behavior,
views, and nature of
the individual and the
world.
THANK YOU
L