INTRODUÇÃO À HISTÓRIA - História

Summary

This video introduces the study of history, emphasizing that history is the study of human actions over time, not just the past. It explains the importance of understanding 'how' and 'why' events happened, with the human element as the core focus. The video distinguishes between different perceptions of time: natural, chronological, and historical. It explores the role of both individual and collective historical agents, and the concept of historical sources, divided into material (written, visual, and oral) and immaterial (traditions and habits). Lastly, the process of writing history is outlined, starting with selecting a theme, gathering sources, and forming hypotheses rather than definitive truths.

Takeaways

• 😀 History is the study of human actions over time, focusing on the 'why' and 'how' rather than just the past.
• 😀 Time is an essential concept in history but is a secondary factor to human actions. It serves as a backdrop rather than the focal point.
• 😀 There are different perceptions of time: natural time (unchangeable and beyond human control), chronological time (human-created and measurable), and historical time (perceived through changes and continuities).
• 😀 Historical subjects can be categorized into individual subjects (notable individuals) and collective subjects (groups, movements, revolutions). History is shaped by these collectives, not just individuals.
• 😀 Historical sources are anything that provides evidence of human action and can be divided into material (physical) and immaterial (cultural) sources.
• 😀 Material sources include written sources (letters, books), visual sources (photos, paintings), and oral sources (testimonies, music).
• 😀 Immaterial sources refer to cultural expressions such as traditions, festivals, and customs that define a people’s identity.
• 😀 The writing of history begins with a focus on the present. The historian defines a theme, a time period, and a space to narrow down their research.
• 😀 After identifying sources, historians must organize and interpret them critically, often questioning their reliability and meaning.
• 😀 The historian's work involves creating hypotheses, not stating absolute truths. The aim is to answer initial questions through rigorous investigation.
• 😀 History is not just about recording facts; it's about understanding human actions and their implications, always considering different perspectives and sources.

Q & A

What is the study of history according to the video?

The study of history is the investigation of human actions over time. It involves understanding the 'how' and 'why' behind human behavior rather than simply recording past events.

What role does time play in the study of history?

Time is a supporting element in history. While it helps historians understand changes and continuities, the primary focus is on human actions throughout time, not just the passage of time itself.

What are the three types of time mentioned in the video?

The three types of time are: natural time (uncontrollable, such as seasons or aging), chronological time (human-made, measurable through tools like calendars and clocks), and historical time (perceived through changes in human actions).

What is the difference between individual and collective historical subjects?

Individual historical subjects are specific people who stand out in their time, while collective historical subjects are groups, movements, or associations that shape historical events, such as political parties or revolutions.

What are historical sources, and how are they classified?

Historical sources are the materials used to study the past. They are classified into two main types: material sources (which are tangible and can be touched or seen, like written documents or artifacts) and immaterial sources (which relate to intangible elements like traditions and customs).

Can you give examples of material sources?

Examples of material sources include written documents (letters, newspapers, books), visual sources (photographs, paintings), and oral sources (testimonies, stories).

What are immaterial sources, and why are they important in history?

Immaterial sources are intangible elements like traditions, customs, and cultural practices. They are important because they provide insight into the cultural and social aspects of past populations, helping historians understand their beliefs and ways of life.

How does a historian begin writing history according to the video?

A historian begins by defining a theme, time, and space for the study. This focus helps narrow down the search for sources and guides the research process.

What is the historian's role in interpreting historical sources?

The historian's role is to critically analyze and interpret historical sources. They must ask questions, challenge assumptions, and seek to understand the context and meaning behind the sources.

What is the final step in writing history after interpreting sources?

The final step is to create a hypothesis, which is a proposed answer to the initial historical question. This hypothesis may or may not answer the question definitively, as history is always subject to revision and interpretation.