The study of history can take on different dimensions. From an individual, regional, or national perspective, the scale is relevant if the subject is significant enough to be of interest. But history also happens on a supranational scale. A historical concept may be a system, or it may be a set of institutions, which are historically situated and affect each other. A good historian is able to choose the appropriate scale for a particular topic. Then he or she can make substantive judgments about the social processes that have occurred and are ongoing in the past.
An academic discipline, history is the study of human beings in general. It examines the causes, effects, and results of social, economic, and political events. History also helps us understand how human societies have changed throughout time. Although we can’t explain every event or process in the past, we can gain an insight into the causes and effects of such changes. There is no fixed truth or indivisible historical account. In fact, history is a conversation that is open to new interpretations, as new findings and discoveries are discovered all the time.
As such, the philosophy of history must consider the interplay between memory and experience in order to understand human agency in history. By examining a wide variety of sources, historians must be able to distinguish the thematicization of memory. This is important, as the study of history highlights the agency of human memory in the creation of historical memories. And as such, historians must pay close attention to the role of monuments and museums in shaping historical memory.
For history to be inclusive and comprehensive, we must be willing to be surprised by surprising patterns of development and differences in experiences between regions. In other words, we should expect a complex history. For example, Clifford Geertz’s historical reconstruction of Bali reveals a complex system of governance, symbol, hierarchy, and value. The result of this approach is a history that is open to global diversity. The global perspective enables us to appreciate the historical differences of ancient China and the complexity of the Roman Republic.
The ethical question in history goes beyond the professional ethics of historians. Considering the countless horrific crimes and genocide committed throughout history, there is a moral reason to study history. The truth about human history reveals moral responsibilities for the present and the generations to come. This responsibility is even greater for historians. We have a responsibility to tell the truth and preserve the memory of the past for future generations. So what are we waiting for?
Historical accounts must give the reader a sense of chronological change. They must explain the causes and consequences of different events. They must also convey their understanding of the events that occurred in the past. They must also develop a structure. This refers to the order of chapters and sections and the relationship between them. Ultimately, history is a complex art. For this reason, it must be written in a manner that appeals to everyone. Otherwise, the reader may be overwhelmed by the sheer breadth of information.