Evolution of the concept of history: a critical and comparative analysis

Abstract

This scholarly article investigates the evolution of the concept of history and its influence on the discipline of history. It begins with the medieval view of history as a source of moral lessons and progresses to Renaissance historicism, which emphasizes the contextual understanding of the past. It then explores the historical positivism of modernity, which seeks universal patterns and laws in history, followed by Marxist historical dialectics, which interprets the past as a class struggle. Subsequently, contemporary perspectives, such as cultural history, gender approaches, and global history, which broaden the understanding of history through new lenses, are addressed. In addition, the impact of digital technologies on the historical discipline is examined. A critical review of the various historical perspectives is undertaken, highlighting their contributions and limitations. This article underscores the importance of ongoing critical revision in the historical discipline to maintain its relevance and to consider ethical and political issues in historical narrative.