MODULE: OLSS01 – READING IN THE PHILIPPINE HISTORY

CHAPTER 2 - HISTORY AS A SOCIAL SCIENCE AND ITS RELATION TO OTHER

FIELDS OF DISCIPLINES

A. To be able to understand the meaning of history as an academic discipline and to

be familiar with the underlying philosophy and methodology of the discipline.
B. To apply the knowledge in historical methodology and philosophy in assessing
and analyzing existing historical narratives.
C. To appreciate the importance of history in the social and national life of the
Philippines.

HISTORY AS A SOCIAL SCIENCE AND ITS RELATION TO OTHER FIELDS OF

DISCIPLINES
As a social science, history is known as the study of the past, and it uniquely
connects to various academic disciplines.
A. HISTORY AND POLITICAL SCIENCE:
A historian is not merely concerned with tracing the history of the political process
through narration of episodes. They must also understand the fundamental political
principles and basic forms of political institutions. History is beneficial to politics as it
encompasses the entire range of activities recorded by historians, enabling politicians to
better understand politics and play their roles effectively.
B. HISTORY AND ECONOMICS:
History is closely related to economics since the activities of individuals in society
are intertwined with economic matters. A historian must possess at least rudimentary
knowledge of economics to understand the economic history of any period, which is
crucial for a proper understanding of history.
C. HISTORY AND SOCIOLOGY:
Both history and sociology focus on studying man in society, differing only in their
approach. Sociology initially depends on history, and the interaction between the two
disciplines is acknowledged by scholars like Max Weber.

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D. HISTORY AND PSYCHOLOGY:

Historians must incorporate psychological insights when analyzing the motives
and actions of individuals and societies. Modern psychology discoveries are essential
for accurate historical analysis, but historians' personal lives and environments can
introduce biases that challenge objectivity.
E. HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY:
Studying certain branches of history is impossible without basic knowledge of
geography. Geography, along with chronology, provides history with its correct
perspective, making time and space essential factors.
IMPORTANCE OF STUDYING HISTORY
In his 1998 article titled "Why Study History?" Peter Stearns posed questions
about the relevance of studying history in the face of contemporary demands. Despite
the challenges of the present and future, he highlighted several reasons why history is
crucial:
1. UNDERSTANDING PEOPLE AND SOCIETIES:
History allows us to comprehend the thoughts, actions, and societies of the past,
providing insights into human behavior and societal structures.
2. UNDERSTANDING CHANGE:
Studying history helps us understand how the current society evolved, providing a
context for changes and developments over time.
3. CONTRIBUTING TO MORAL UNDERSTANDING:
History contributes to moral insights by examining the consequences of past actions,
enabling individuals to make informed ethical decisions.
4. PROVIDING IDENTITY:
History plays a role in shaping individual and collective identities, allowing people to
connect with their roots and heritage.
5. ESSENTIAL FOR GOOD CITIZENSHIP:
A solid understanding of history is crucial for informed citizenship, enabling
individuals to engage in civic responsibilities with a deeper knowledge of their society's
background.

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In addition to Stearns' observations, there are other important values and

contributions of history:
1. DISCIPLINARY VALUE:
History is valuable for mental training, enhancing critical thinking, memory, and
imagination. It deepens understanding and provides insights into various societal
issues.
2. INFORMATIVE VALUE:
History serves as a vast treasure trove of information, offering guidance for solving
problems related to science, art, language, literature, social and political life,
philosophical speculation, and economic development. It is a pathfinder for
humanity's future, showcasing the roots without uprooting the tree.
Emphasizing both the practical and intellectual benefits, the study of history
enriches our understanding of the world and equips individuals with the knowledge
necessary for thoughtful reflection and decision-making.
HISTORIOGRAPHY / HISTORICAL METHOD (INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL):
Historiography is distinct from history itself; it helps students understand historical
facts within their contexts. It involves analyzing the methods, theories, and perspectives
employed by historians when using primary sources to research and write about the
past.
Some historiographical procedures proposed by Bernheim (1889) and Langlois &
Seignobos (1898) include:
1. Agreement among sources indicates event confirmation.
2. Critical textual analysis is necessary even if a majority agrees on an event.
3. Confirmation by outside authorities enhances source reliability.
4. When sources disagree, preference is given to the one with more authority, often
an eyewitness.
5. Agreement between independently created sources enhances reliability.
6. In the absence of other means of evaluation, historians prefer the source that
aligns best with common sense.
HISTORIOGRAPHY ALSO INVOLVES INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL CRITICISMS
A. EXTERNAL CRITICISM verifies evidence authenticity by examining physical
characteristics, consistency with historical characteristics, and materials used.
B. INTERNAL CRITICISM examines evidence truthfulness by analyzing its content
and circumstances of production.

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Additional methods include:

A. POSITIVISM: Emphasizes the requirement of written primary documents for
historical narratives.
B. POSTCOLONIALISM: Emerged in the 20th century as formerly colonized
nations sought to create identities and understand societies against their colonial
past.
C. ANNALES SCHOOL OF THOUGHT: Challenges historical canons, advocating a
broader focus beyond states and monarchs.
D. PANTAYONG PANANAW (For Us-From Us Perspective): Highlights the
importance of internal discourse among Filipinos about their own history, using a
language understood by everyone.

Candelaria, J.L. et. al. (2018) Readings in Philippine History. Rex Book Store. Manila.
https://ddceutkal.ac.in/Syllabus/MA_Education/Education _Paper_5_history.pdf