FOUNDATIONS OF HISTORY

Why study history?

To learn about our past

You have to know the past to understand the present. – Carl Sagan

 As we study Philippine history, we would learn about the challenges and

achievements of our ancestors in different periods of time.
 The benefits, the pleasure and the satisfaction we will gain from examining this
amazing record is the initial reason for studying the history of the Filipinos.

To understand the present

We study the past to understand the present; we understand the present to guide
the future. – William Lundt

 The more knowledge we gain of the past, the more insight we will have of the
present.
 Links between the past and the present are all around us.
 History will help us understand ourselves and the country.

To appreciate our heritage in a broad perspective

 Knowledge of Philippine history will give us and even greater appreciation for our
heritage.
 We will come to value these contributions from the past that are the foundation of
our culture and tradition.
 Knowledge of other Filipinos and their unique culture will give us a better
perspective of the times in which we live.

To acquire background for critical thinking

 Problems and their solutions are central to any survey of history.

 We will have many opportunities to uncover the roots of the present-day issues.
 Our understanding of the past will enhance our ability to evaluate and deal
effectively with concerns of our own times.

Meaning of History

1. Yesterday of mankind

 History is the yesterday of mankind.

 In Philippine history, it is the memory of all Filipinos both living and dead.
  Without knowledge of yesterday, without any memory, there is no guide to
tomorrow.
 A nation without history lacks direction. But a people who are conscious of their
past can improve their future.

2. Record of the past

 This subject is a record of the past.

 Even as we read it, the world will change.
 You will live in the present, and see it become the future.
 The one certain thing in history is that conditions change.
 Filipinos believe that the changes can become progress – movement toward a goal, a
better world in which Filipinos can live securely, meaningfully, nobly.
 But without a guide, without direction, changes may be aimless and meaningless.

3. The story of all Filipinos

 It is more than a record of events.

 For those who have imagination, it is dramatic account of what had happened to
actual men and women as they strove and searched for good life.
 It tries to tell not only what happened, but why it happened.

4. Historical forces

 In order to understand it better, ask some questions as you read it.

 If you read thoughtfully and critically, asking questions and trying to find answers,
you will discover that history has often been shaped by certain forces.
 You can learn to discover these forces by focusing yourself on certain areas, like:
 Geography. The influence of the environment;
 Economy. The kind of living they had;
 Politics. How they governed themselves;
 Education. How science, invention and research played an important part in
their lives;
 Religion. How religion influenced the lives of men;
 Humanities. How the arts – literature, painting, sculpture, architecture and
music reflected the people who created them;
 Wars. How did men seek peaceful solutions to their conflicts;
 Civilization. What led to their rise, fall and decline.

History Defined

 History is the scientific discipline, which deals with the study of significant events
in the past in order to ascertain the truth.
 This includes records or accounts usually written in sequential arrangement of past
events especially those concerning a particular nation, people, or field of knowledge
as well as activities.
 History is considered to be a scientific discipline because it uses the tools of
science in finding out what really transpired in the past.
 There are two types of historical epoch (a particular period of time marked by
distinctive features, events, etc.):
o Pre-historic past.
 Refers to that time before man invented writing.
 Historian rely in physical evidences like skeletal remains, fossils and
artifacts to ascertain what really transpired during this period.
o Historic past.
 Refers to the period where events are recorder through
documentation