The Process of Historical Evaluation
Throughout the progression of this class I have formed an increasing interest in what history is. Moreover, this is what I have given the most of my attention to, simply because I have never thought of this process in any other terms beside the ones I had learned throughout my childhood schooling. Much of the historical dates, events and arguements have never been of particular interest to me. Although, because of my recent awakenings to the historical process, I have become much more interested in the truthfulness of history and what the best way is for that truth to be attained. In the following paragraphs I would like to share with you my findings. All of these findings have come from, not only the modern opinion of history, but also historians of the past and the advancement of the process of an historian, as critiqued by modern analysts. Without the dedication of the historians of the past, and their pursuit of truth, historians would not have such a comprehensive understanding of history. In many ways, we can understand more about the accuracy of history by looking at the theories of our forefathers. In the first chapter of Great Issues in Western Civilization, there were many different theo
The Unfinished Legacy: A Brief History of Western Civilization ries on how to record history. Some historians debated on understanding history by scientific relationships, and others sought to understand history by modern principles. As you can see, there are many ways a historian goes about determining the way to record history. If we have such a large array of ways to study, interpret and understand history then, who is right? Who is telling the truth? Of these aforementioned historians, which ones are you most likely to believe in their findings and conclusions about history? These are questions that we have, as a class, been trying to answer. I have found this to be very fascinating and have taken an active interest in looking deeper into the question. In the book, History: A very Short Introduction, we are able to see how many mistakes, even the greatest historians make. This is important because, many times, these historians are used as a reference to debate historical events. For example, Herodotus was used in many arguments concerning African origins of civilization. Herodotus is also known to have written tales of men riding on dolphins' tales in his historical records. Therefore, we must not only choose whom we are going to believe, but whether or not their sources are even reliable. I want to know whom I can trust, or what I can trust. I want to know if I can trust anyone. Or, should I trust everyone just a little bit? "However accurately we may determine the 'facts' of history, the facts themselves and our interpretations of them, and our interpretation of our own interpretations, will be seen in a different perspective or a less vivid light as mankind moves into the unknown future"-Carl L. Becker. If I were to do the same exact investigation a
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Approximate Word count = 1211
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)
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