Abstract
Different approaches to the meaning of history exist. Communities and historical analysts have different opinions based on religion, beliefs and timeline. There are different explanations and considerations of the history that are illustrated through different means. The main idea of the paper is to consider different points of view and various attitudes to the history meaning.
Greek Approach
Greek approach is one of the perspectives of the history. Many issues were addressed under this approach. Under the history, a logography tries to explain the emergence of towns, people and other places. This is one of the approaches which creates much disagreement. Hecataeus of Miletus is one of the representatives of this approach. Being a Greek historian, the information his works contain is full of contradictions (Breisach, 2007, p. 29).
This approach to the meaning of history derives different perspectives upon the reader with various issues requiring deep consideration for better understanding. Greek historiography tries to explain the existence of men and places based on cultural background. Much attention is paid to traditions and culture in general.
The era of poleis and its historians is illustrated under the Greek historiography, however, neither Greek historians nor philosophers considered the meaning of the word ‘historical’ in the way it is perceived now (Breisach, 2007, p. 30).
Roman Approach
There is also a Roman historiography which explains how Roman entities were formed. The historiography starts at the formation of Rome and derives most of its ideologies from the religious and other leaders (Fordham University, 1998). Roman history was reportedly written at the time of Gracchi, when the writers of history books produced the best information about the period.
Roman history is written by the individuals who were less concerned about the facts they dwelt upon. Their description of the history is written on the basis of their own understanding of the events that took place in Rome. This led to the formation of monographs that had comprehensive writings about specific issues. The combinations of monographs led to realization of the current Roman history (Breisach, 2007, p. 41).
There was much propaganda within the Roman history as the historians focused on convincing their readers in the authenticity of the information. The facts in the Roman history are stated in such a way that the meanings are elaborated for easier understanding. The individuals who contributed a great deal to the formation of Rome are also described in the reports. Therefore, Roman historiography is the combination of authenticity and propaganda (Breisach, 2007, p. 43).
Religion
The other meaning of history is derived by Christians. Christians have another interpretation and evaluation of the existence of a man and the places. According to the Christians, a supreme being helped to form the universe that caused the existence of human beings. The Christians focus more on extraterrestrial beings and powers to have contributed in the formation of the world.
These assertions help in explaining how the Earth and its inhabitants were founded, how they came to settle in certain regions and the development of various locations.
Many nationalities are omitted through Christian historiography, and instead there is a major emphasis on specific cultures and communities (Breisach, 2007, p. 122). The biased nature of this historiography is similar to that demonstrated by Greeks and Romans that derive most of their meanings on a single community.
Science
Science is another approach to understanding the meaning of history. Under science, there is an expanded definition and explanation of the universe creation and development. Most of the explanations are derived from proof and detailed understanding of the events.
The main idea of the scientific meaning of history is to argue the existence of the objects and the occurrence of different events by means of introducing the facts considered as firm proofs. The explanations are developed on the basis of the strong facts which cannot be contradicted, on the evidence, which cannot be objected (Rosenzweig, & Thelen, 1998, p. 40).
Rather than focusing on the past events, the scientific approach uses present facts and proofs to explain the problem under discussion. This approach makes it easier for the readers to understand the definitions and explanations based on the facts illustrated in the texts.
Through these identities and other definitions, it becomes easier to understand the concepts and issues that took place during each era. Scientific definitions of history make use of various facts that the reader is expected to align with. This makes it possible to identify and relate to certain issues that currently exist in this world.
Philosophical Approachv
Philosophers and contemporary historians have focused greatly on explaining the existence of humanity and other aspects in the world (Fordham University, 1998). According to philosophers, different explanations are created forming a concrete clarification of the existence of life and human beings.
Critically evaluating the modern situation, the philosophers developed various meanings to different issues in the world. Local and historical texts are included in the philosophical definitions as it helps in the forming different opinions to the existence of life and places (Berdyaev, 2006, p. 186).
All the approaches are based on either leading assumptions or concreted facts. It helps in generating a convincing chain of facts into the issues addressed. The connection between the past and the present helps in explaining the existence of places and life. A great deal of approaches to the meaning of history helps me conclude that the absence of the only consideration is caused by many disagreements and too numerous opinions.
References
Berdyaev, N. (2006). The Meaning of History. New Brunswick, NJ: Transaction Books.
Breisach, E. (2007). Historiography: Ancient, Medieval, and Modern (3rd ed.). Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
Fordham University. (1998). Internet Ancient History Sourcebook: Studying Ancient History. Web.
Rosenzweig, R. & Thelen, D. (1998). The Presence of the Past: Popular Uses of History in American Life. New York, NY: Columbia University Press.