Understanding HistoryUnderstanding History

Facilitated by: Ringo M. CendaFacilitated by: Ringo M. Cendaññaa

Definition of HistoryDefinition of History

• The broadest meaning of history is the study of the past

• The recording and analysis of experiences of a society comprise the totality of a people’s history

Challenge and Response Theory Challenge and Response Theory by Arnold Toynbeeby Arnold Toynbee

• Man responds to situation before him and acts based on his thoughts

• Society’s way of facing the challenges depending on capabilities uncovers pattern of society’s history

• Failure of a civilization to survive was the result of inability to respond to challenges

Exchange Theory by Alvin ScaffExchange Theory by Alvin Scaff

• Exchange of goods between individuals, groups, organizations and nations

• Idea of interchange is based on barter system which links to alliances of people and communities and nations

George HegelGeorge Hegel

• Weltgiest or world spirit, embodies patriotism, heroism and unity

• Geisteswissenchaften, historical individuals are ideals and man follows his ideals

• Naturwissenchaften (antithesis), opposite of Geisteswissenchaften(thesis)

• Combination of the two makes the complete history (synthesis)

Economic Theory, Karl MarxEconomic Theory, Karl Marx

• Economy determines the fate of the individuals/nations

• Trade gave importance to Filipino People affecting other aspects not only economic

• God, Gold and Glory

Sources of HistorySources of History

• In writing history, the historian not only relies on past thoughts rather reenacts it in the context of analyzing the documents and other records left

• Classifications of History: Primary and Secondary

PrimaryPrimary

• The ones who witnessed the events or have taken part of the events

• Written records: narratives, manuscripts, public documents, letters, diaries

• Fossils, artifacts and testimony from witnesses

SecondarySecondary

The ones not have been part of the event such as magazine, newspapers, pamphlets, and articles written about the primary sources

PrehistoryPrehistory

• A term given by 19th century French scholars covers the past human experiences prior to the existence of written records

• The basic source of prehistory is archaeology, a sub discipline of anthropology (the study of all aspects of human life and culture)

• Archaeology is the study of past cultures

Prehistory Prehistory

• Archaeologists study artifacts (material equipment made by people of the past like tools, pottery and jewelry) and fossils (preserved remains of plants, animals and people of a remote geological past

• Archaeology gives us an idea how things might have looked like at a particular time

• Cultural artifacts may be looked at as concrete expressions of the ancient settlers’ way in dealing with the problem of adaptation to the environment

PrehistoryPrehistory

• Their achievements in material and social culture show much of their behavior, values, and beliefs as well as their intellectual maturity

• Unfortunately, the reconstruction of Philippine prehistory will always be incomplete. Why?