Readings in Philippine History (6661569)

Foundation of History

The Philosophy of History

- A foundation is what supports a structure
- A strong foundation enables you to reconcile the myriad issues that will confront
you as you study the story of any group of people.
- It is best that you have a background about a place where you are going so that
you won't make a mistake that might offend them.

Why do we need to study history?

1. To learn the past - What happened to the past
2. To understand the present - How does it affect the present
3. To appreciate our heritage in a broad perspective.
4. To acquire a background of Critical Thinking. (Give a meaningful description to
being a filipino their ways of living, traditions etc)

Meaning of History
1. Yesterday of Mankind
2. Record of The Past
3. The story of all Filipinos
4. Historical Forces
- geography (physical features of the country) - We have hiwahiwalay na
islands which makes it easy for dayuhans to take us over
- economy (Economic system) - We now have mixed economic system
- politics - Before we only have small units of govt and political dynasties
- education - If you belong to Indios, you can't go to school
- Religion - Our ancestors used to believe to spirits present to nature (There
is no seperation to church and state that time)
- Humanities - The traditions of Filipinos
- Wars - We really needed the help of WB to provide finances for social ayuda
to people
- Civilization - People learned how to live in a certain areas, cultivate its
lands and grow crops

History Defined
1. Pre-Historic Past - Refers to that time before man invented writing.
2. Historic past - Refers to period where events are recorded through written
documents.

Sources of Historical Data

1. Written Sources - Everything is written
2. Orally transmitted materials - unwritten and passed through words of mouth.
3. Artistic production - Paintings, portraits, vases, sketches and the like.
4. Electronic Data - Films, documentaries, radio, television, computer data and
other.
5. Relics and remains - fossil, artifacts, bones, potteries, traditions, language
and others

Why is there a history and what causes it to happen

A. Christian view - There is a divine concern fpr the welfare of mankind. All
history will lead to the universality of a true religion.
B. Greeks and Romans - Historical events are determined by fate and destiny; hence
we cannot do something about it.

Personally, I don't think history is boring because it's actually interesting. In

studying history, you'll be able to go back in time and it's like time travelling
to the past. But the problem I have in this subject is that I don't really like it
when letters are mixed with numbers. I'm not good in memorizing a person's name,
dates and events. Since history usually focuses on those stuffs, that became the
reason why I didn't like it and not really because it's boring.