History, at its most fundamental, is the study of the past. But delve deeper, and you’ll find a discipline rich in complexity, interpretation, and ongoing debate. Asking “What Is History?” opens a Pandora’s Box of perspectives, revealing not a singular, monolithic answer, but a vibrant tapestry woven from narratives, analyses, and evolving understandings of the human experience.
As Francesca Morphakis, a PhD Candidate in History at the University of Leeds, aptly puts it, history is fundamentally about “the study of people, actions, decisions, interactions and behaviours.” It is the process of bringing order to the chaos of the past, constructing narratives from fragmented facts to explain the trajectories that have shaped our present. These narratives, far from being dry recitations of dates and events, are attempts to understand the motivations, consequences, and patterns that emerge from human actions across time. History, in this light, becomes a powerful tool for understanding the human condition itself, exposing timeless themes of power, weakness, triumph, and tragedy that continue to resonate today. While political history remains a crucial foundation, offering insights into leadership, governance, and societal structures, the field has expanded far beyond traditional boundaries.
However, the very act of writing history is imbued with power. Narratives of the past shape identities, particularly national identities, and can be wielded to legitimize or delegitimize actions in the present. This inherent power necessitates a critical and nuanced approach to history. History should not be a weapon in ideological battles, nor should it be manipulated to serve narrow agendas. Instead, it must be a space for open, rigorous debate about our collective existence, fostering tolerance and intellectual exploration.
Expanding on this notion of scope, Chandak Sengoopta, Professor of History at Birkbeck, University of London, emphasizes a broad and inclusive definition of history. For Sengoopta, “any thoroughly researched and well-argued study of any aspect of the past counts… as history.” He advocates for a field that embraces diverse methodologies and sources, moving beyond the traditional reliance on archival documents. Recalling a time when fields like women’s history and the history of marginalized groups were relegated to the periphery, Sengoopta highlights the progress made in broadening the discipline. Today, history encompasses not only political, economic, and social spheres but also the histories of ideas, arts, medicine, philosophy, entertainment, and technology, across diverse geographical regions. This expansive view challenges historians to move beyond antiquated notions of what constitutes “proper” history, urging them to explore unconventional sources and methodologies to enrich our understanding of the past.
Marcus Colla, Departmental Lecturer in European History at Christ Church, Oxford, highlights another crucial dimension of “what is history?” He points to E.H. Carr’s seminal work, What is History?, and its enduring relevance. Colla argues that Carr’s perspective, emphasizing history as “fundamentally a problem-solving discipline,” resonates strongly with contemporary sensibilities. Carr challenged the notion of an objective historian detached from the present, arguing instead that the study of the past should be oriented towards understanding and addressing the needs of the present. In an academic landscape where the humanities are increasingly called upon to justify their relevance, Carr’s view provides a compelling rationale for the study of history. It underscores the idea that history is not merely an antiquarian pursuit but a dynamic engagement with the past to illuminate the present and shape the future. This perspective also blurs the rigid lines between “history,” “memory,” and “heritage,” recognizing that history belongs to everyone and should benefit contemporary society.
Finally, Faridah Zaman, Associate Professor of History, University of Oxford, encourages us to consider the purpose and audience of historical inquiry. She suggests that “histories are useful for telling us how we got ‘here’.” This understanding of history as a linear narrative explaining our present circumstances is a common starting point. However, Zaman pushes beyond this conventional view, advocating for histories that explore “worlds unrealised and of other presents that might have existed.” By examining not only what happened but also what could have happened, history reveals the contingency of our present world and the enduring power of structures that shaped our paths. This approach necessitates recovering marginalized narratives and perspectives often lost in dominant historical accounts. By focusing on unsuccessful revolutions, failed political visions, and forgotten voices, history can illuminate the complexity and plurality of the past, revealing alternative ways of thinking and living. This emancipatory potential of history, moving beyond a mere record of events, opens up critical and imaginative spaces for understanding our own times and envisioning alternative futures.
In conclusion, “what is history?” is not a question with a simple answer. It is a dynamic and evolving field encompassing diverse perspectives and methodologies. From understanding history as narrative construction to recognizing its problem-solving potential and its capacity to illuminate alternative paths, the essays presented here reveal the multifaceted nature of this crucial discipline. History is not just about the past; it is about understanding ourselves, our present, and the possibilities for our future. It is a continuous dialogue between past and present, demanding critical engagement, open debate, and a commitment to uncovering the rich and complex tapestry of the human story.
