Anthony Brundage describes the concept of History as a dynamic process. It is believed by many that History is a passive and dormant discipline that torment the young with its "tedious, turgid catalog of dates and names." Brundage argues and sees History as a dynamic process because of its rich, varied, evolving intellectual system that permits us to achieve a better understanding of our world and of ourselves. In this definition History is still dealing with the past but also, the past is here in constant dialog with an ever-advancing present.
Historians are in constant search of fresh sources, approaches, methodological tools and interpretations. Interpreting a past event, process, or person is called revisionism. It emerged and has been practiced since the time of the Greeks. In Europe, the Philosophes of the enlightenment used revisionism in their campaign against ignorance, superstition, and tyranny. Brundage brings up another important aspect of History, Karl Marx's throughout his analyses states that the economic organization of society is the key to the past. He also explains that human history is driven by class struggle. This represents an important claim throughout History.
How has History been perceived over time? Has it always been perceived the same way?
How can you distinguish what type/style of History you are reading about?
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