QUÉ ES LA HISTORIA - ETIMOLOGÍA, DESARROLLO, CONCEPTO, UTILIDAD ELEMENTOS

Summary

This video explores the concept of history, its etymology, origins, and its evolution as a discipline. It explains how history began as oral storytelling and eventually became a scientific study, largely thanks to the work of Herodotus. The script highlights the importance of studying history to understand the present and project into the future, offering insights into how past events shape current societal dynamics. It also discusses the critical elements of history, including chronology and geography, and how these two factors are essential for analyzing historical events. Ultimately, history is framed as the study of humanity's development through time and space.

Takeaways

• 😀 History is more than just memorizing dates and figures; it helps us understand human development over time.
• 😀 The word 'history' comes from the Greek verb 'storeo,' meaning to investigate or inquire, evolving to signify knowledge gained from investigation.
• 😀 History began as oral tradition and cave paintings, with written records emerging around 3500 BCE in Mesopotamia with cuneiform writing.
• 😀 Herodotus, often called the 'Father of History,' marked the transition from simple narration of events to analyzing causes and using various sources of information.
• 😀 In the 19th century, history focused mostly on political events and famous figures, but the 20th century saw the rise of social history, considering all societal aspects.
• 😀 Modern history studies not just the past, but also uses it to understand the present and predict future events, creating a link between past, present, and future.
• 😀 History utilizes multiple sources: written, oral, material, and audiovisual, helping to form a comprehensive understanding of the past.
• 😀 The study of history requires two essential elements: chronology (the timeline of events) and geography (the location of events).
• 😀 History is a collective study of humanity, not just individual figures, focusing on how societies change and interact over time.
• 😀 By examining history, we gain insight into our identity, collective memory, and the potential paths humanity may take in the future.

Q & A

What is the definition of history according to the video?

History is defined as the science of the human journey through time. It involves studying past events to understand the present and project into the future.

What is the etymology of the word 'history'?

The word 'history' originates from the Greek verb 'historein,' which means to investigate or inquire. It evolved through Latin and came to mean knowledge obtained through investigation.

Why did history initially begin as an oral tradition?

History began as an oral tradition because early human societies had no written language. People passed down stories and events verbally, often through oral narration and cave paintings.

What was the significance of the invention of writing in the development of history?

The invention of writing around 3500 BC allowed humans to record their history in a permanent form, which shifted history from oral traditions to written accounts, leading to more accurate documentation of events.

How did Herodotus contribute to the study of history?

Herodotus, known as the 'Father of History,' introduced a more rational approach to history by analyzing events and their causes, using multiple sources and testimonies. His work marked the beginning of history as a scientific study.

What were the limitations of historical study in the 19th century?

In the 19th century, history was primarily focused on political events, with a strong emphasis on grand wars and the actions of heroes, kings, or presidents. It often overlooked the broader society and non-European histories.

How did historians in the 20th century transform the study of history?

In the 20th century, historians shifted toward a social history approach, emphasizing the lives of ordinary people and broader societal contexts. This led to the development of 'total history,' which integrates different aspects of human life.

What is the purpose of studying history, according to the video?

The purpose of studying history is to understand the past, which helps explain the present and foresee potential future events. By analyzing historical causes, we can address current issues and avoid repeating mistakes.

What are the two fundamental elements of historical science?

The two essential elements in historical science are chronology and geography. Chronology helps place events in time, while geography determines the locations where historical events occur.

What is the object of study for historians?

The object of study for historians is humanity as a whole. Historians aim to understand how humans have changed over time, the causes behind these changes, and the possible future trajectories of human society.