MEANING AND

RELEVANCE OF
HISTORY
Lesson No. 1
“What is history? An echo of the past in the
future; a reflex from the future on the
past.”
– Victor Hugo
• As a discipline, Merriam-Webster (2018) defined history as “a chronological record of
significant events (such as those affecting a nation or institution), often including an
explanation of their causes.” This definition merely pertains to the events that are
significant to an organization sequentially arranged to tell a coherent story of the past.
• However, looking into the etymology of the word, ‘history’ was derived from the Greek
word ‘historia,’ which means ‘inquiry or knowledge acquired by investigation.’ Hence, the
subject is not just about knowing which event comes first, but it requires readers to
examine every information coming from a source to justify the cause of a certain event
and to identify the reasons for the actions of the personalities involved.
• On the other hand, historiography refers to how, what, and why history is written. It is
about the methods and practices used in producing history, the development of history
as a discipline, or the philosophy or significance of historical writing.
• In short, history is the study of past events and historiography is the study of history.
 Prehistory and History

Prehistory refers to that period where History covers information derived

information of the past were recorded from largely written records of past
in materials other than written experiences.
documents, which may not be
understood by a historian. These
include artifacts, drawings, paintings,
sculptures and any other forms.
• The prehistory of the Philippines is said to cover the events
until 21 April 900 (equivalent in the Proleptic Gregorian
Calendar), the date indicated on the Laguna Copperplate
Inscription (LCI) – the earliest written document known in the
Philippines today.

• The LCI is considered to be the first legal document recorded in

the Philippines. It is said to contain the release of the children
of Namwaran, the bearers, from their obligation.
Why study
history?
1. History helps us
understand people
and societies.
 2. History helps us
understand change and
how the society we live
in came to be.
3. History contributes
to moral
understanding.
4. History provides
identity.
5. Studying History Is
Essential for Good
Citizenship.
Moreover, Stern has identified a number of skills that a student
may develop in studying history. These include the following:
1. The ability to assess evidence.
2. The ability to assess conflicting
interpretations.
3. Experience in assessing past
examples of change.
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