HISTÓRIA E MEMÓRIA (Jacques Le Goff) AULA 1- PARTE 1 - A HISTÓRIA

Summary

This lecture provides an in-depth analysis of Jacques Le Goff's book *História e Memória*, exploring the intricate relationship between history and memory. The speaker discusses key themes such as the distinction between lived history and historical science, the role of time and calendars in shaping historical narratives, and the evolution of historical research. Emphasizing critical approaches, the lecture highlights the importance of documents as products of social power and examines the diverse subfields in modern history, including the history of representations. It underscores history as a science of societal change, shaped by both present ideologies and past events.

Takeaways

• 😀 The book 'History and Memory' by Jacques is divided into four parts, each with multiple sub-sections, which will be covered in separate lessons.
• 😀 One of the central themes discussed in the preface is the relationship between lived history and scientific history, exploring how historical knowledge is constructed.
• 😀 The script emphasizes the significance of the calendar as a crucial tool developed by societies to tame natural time and structure human activities.
• 😀 Another key issue raised is the connection between history, time, and the cyclical nature of events, where the calendar plays a central role in organizing society.
• 😀 The script highlights the growing interest of historians in the intersection between history and memory, as well as the philosophical debates surrounding the subject.
• 😀 A critique of the notion of historical facts and documents is presented, suggesting that these are not objective and neutral but are shaped by power dynamics and societal influence.
• 😀 The script discusses the historical importance of oral traditions and written documents, and how modern technology, like computers, has revolutionized the archival process.
• 😀 The role of historiography in defining history is critiqued, particularly in relation to the concepts of objectivity, manipulation, and social practices.
• 😀 The rise of new historical subfields such as history of mentalities, ideologies, and symbolic practices has enriched the study of history, challenging traditional narratives.
• 😀 The importance of chronological structure in history is reiterated, emphasizing that history is inherently linked to the human struggle to organize and make sense of time.

Q & A

What is the main theme of Jacques Le Goff's work discussed in the transcript?

The main theme of Jacques Le Goff's work, as discussed in the transcript, is the relationship between history and memory, exploring how history is shaped by memory and how historiography has evolved over time.

How does the transcript define the relationship between 'lived history' and 'scientific history'?

The transcript suggests that 'lived history' refers to the actual experiences of individuals and societies, while 'scientific history' refers to the objective, analytical effort to study and explain historical events. The interaction between these two aspects of history is a central concern in historical scholarship.

What role does time play in the construction of history, according to the transcript?

Time is a fundamental concept in history. The transcript contrasts natural cyclical time (e.g., the movement of the sun or the seasons) with human-lived time, emphasizing how societies use tools like calendars to manage and structure their understanding of time.

What does the transcript say about the development of historical documentation?

The transcript explains that historical documentation has evolved from written texts and oral accounts to include a wider range of materials, such as images, gestures, and digital archives. These documents are seen as 'monuments' that reflect the power of past societies.

How has historiography evolved according to the lecture?

Historiography has evolved from a focus on political and economic history to a broader cultural history, including the history of ideologies, mentalities, and representations. This shift highlights the importance of understanding symbols, rituals, and social practices in shaping historical narratives.

What is the significance of the concept of 'long duration' in historical analysis?

The concept of 'long duration', introduced by historian Fernand Braudel, emphasizes the importance of understanding slow, deep structural changes in societies, such as geography, culture, and mentalities, over short-term events. It challenges the focus on episodic or rapid historical change.

How do historians today view historical objects and documents, according to the transcript?

Historians today view historical documents not as objective, neutral materials but as constructions shaped by societal power and memory. They are seen as reflecting the ideologies and practices of the societies that produced them.

What critique does the transcript offer regarding the concept of the 'historical fact'?

The transcript critiques the notion of the 'historical fact' as being a fixed and objective truth. Instead, it views historical facts as constructed by historians, shaped by their interpretations of documents and evidence.

What role does the historian's consciousness of their own perspective play in the practice of history?

The historian's awareness of their own perspective is crucial in recognizing the subjective nature of historical interpretation. The transcript highlights that history is not just a scientific endeavor but also a social practice, influenced by contemporary values and ideologies.

How is history as a discipline described in relation to its ability to predict the future?

The transcript points out that history, unlike futurology, is not designed to predict the future. Instead, history seeks to explain past events and understand the processes that have shaped societies, while acknowledging that the future is uncertain.