Introduction to History and Historical Methodology

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from the lecture on history, its value, its relationships with other social sciences, classifications of sources, and auxiliary sciences used in historical research.

History

The systematic study of past events, examining what happened as well as why and how it happened to understand identity, culture, and present decisions.

Historia

Greek root of the word history, meaning inquiry or knowledge acquired through investigation.

Primary Source

An original document or physical object created during the time under study, offering direct, firsthand evidence (e.g., Rizal’s letters, speeches, artifacts).

Secondary Source

An interpretation or analysis based on primary sources, produced after the event (e.g., textbooks, biographies, documentaries).

External Criticism

The authentication process that verifies whether a historical document is genuine by examining its physical attributes, origin, and authorship.

Internal Criticism

The evaluation of a document’s content to judge accuracy, credibility, and bias in the information it conveys.

Paleography

The auxiliary science that studies ancient or old handwriting to read, date, and authenticate historical manuscripts.

Diplomatics

The study of the formal characteristics, language, and structure of official documents to assess their authenticity.

Epigraphy

The study and interpretation of inscriptions on hard surfaces such as stone or metal, providing information about past societies.

Philology

The study of languages in historical texts to analyze grammar, vocabulary, and usage for understanding and verifying documents.

Archaeology

The study of material remains—artifacts, tools, ruins—to reconstruct and support written historical records.

Chemistry (Auxiliary to History)

The scientific analysis of materials in documents, such as ink or paper, to determine their age and composition.

Papermaker’s Art

The study of paper materials, textures, and watermarks to identify when and where a document’s paper was produced.

History & Political Science

Interdisciplinary link that examines power, governance, and leadership—e.g., Martial Law and constitutional developments.

History & Economics

The connection that explains trade, labor, crises, and prosperity over time—e.g., Galleon Trade, inflation trends.

History & Sociology

The relationship that studies social behavior, class structures, and institutions—e.g., Spanish-era social classes.

History & Geography

Field exploring how location and physical environment influence historical events—e.g., the Philippines’ strategic Asian position.

History & Psychology

Interdisciplinary study of human emotions, motivations, and trauma within historical contexts—e.g., psychological effects of war.

History & Ethics

Examination of moral questions and values in historical decisions—e.g., ethical debates on colonization or executions.

External vs. Internal Criticism

External focuses on the form and authenticity of a document; internal centers on content credibility and potential bias.

Purpose of Studying History

To understand the present, develop critical thinking, learn identity and culture, foster nationalism, and inform future decisions.