history 2
History, 2
Historians study all aspects of past human life–social and cultural conditions as well as political and economic events. Some study the past simply to understand better how people of other times acted and thought. Other historians seek to draw lessons from those actions and thoughts as a guide for decisions and policies today. However, they disagree about history’s lessons, and so there are many different interpretations of the past.
Philosophy of History
12. There is too much emphasis on Western, European, and Middle Eastern history; and not enough on other parts of the world. Do you agree?
13. History is generally limited to human events that have taken place since the development of writing about 5,500 years ago. Is this bothersome in a way?
14. Throughout history, ultimately good wins and evil loses. What do you think?
15. History is a cycle of events that repeats itself. Do you agree? Or do you think history is a series of events with a beginning and an end. Give examples.
16. The German historian Oswald Spengler argued that civilizations, like living organisms, go through a cycle of birth, development, and death. What do you think? What are some examples? What would be the implications of this?
17. Who were Herodotus, Thucydides and Sima Qian?
Society
18. Which countries have very long, ancient histories?
19. Some or many countries were more civilized in the past than in the present. Do you agree? Give examples.
20. History lessons only cause stress, grievances and animosity among peoples and should be scrapped or forgotten.
21. Today, I can see examples of how history has shaped my town, city, and country. Is this correct or wrong?
22. In the age of globalization, all events in all corners of the world are interconnected. True or false?
