Introduction to Readings in Philippine History

Defining History

  • Merriam- Webster: A branch of knowledge that records and explains past events.

  • Cambridge Dictionaries Online: The study or record of past events considered together, particularly for a specific period, country, or subject.

  • Jose Victor Torres (BATIS): The study of human beliefs, desires, practices, and institutions.

Purposes of Historical Study

  • To understand the roots of current culture.

  • To learn from the mistakes of predecessors.

  • To analyze human nature through repeating historical trends.

  • To identify factors that shape society, such as religion, greed, technology, and the intersection of cultures.

Professionals in Historical Investigation

  • Archaeologists: Study past cultures via artifacts and material remains.

  • Anthropologists: Study societies and their historical development.

  • Genealogists: Research family histories and ancestries.

  • Archivists: Preserve and study historical records.

  • Paleontologists: Study ancient life through fossils (natural history).

  • Museum Curators: Manage and research historical collections.

  • Political Scientists: Analyze historical political systems.

The Historical Process

  • History is viewed as a mystery to be solved by looking for and interpreting clues.

  • Clues must be reinterpreted as new evidence is found to fill gaps and reach educated conclusions.

Primary Sources

  • Definition: Documents or physical objects created during the specific time under study.

  • Examples: First-hand accounts, artifacts, memoirs, oral histories, newsprint, diaries, photographs, video, and government documents.

  • Case Highlight: A 1943 Japanese bank note and physical artifacts like the INSULAR LIFE building records.

Secondary Sources

  • Definition: Works that interpret and analyze primary sources, appearing one or more steps removed from the actual event.

  • Examples: Textbooks, encyclopedias, and news articles discussing past issues.

  • Historical Illustration: A July 3, 2021 post by the Civil Relations Service Armed Forces of the Philippines regarding Major General Paulino Santos, the first Medal for Valor awardee for actions at Bayang Cotta, Lanao del Sur on 26 July 1917.