THE BEGINNINGS OF HISTORY RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
THE BEGINNINGS OF HISTORY RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Summary/Abstract: Human sciences include history as a distinct research domain due to the existence of an object of study, normativity and a methodological research system. These epistemological criteria evolved during time, until the XIX century, when history confirmed itself a distinct place in the science field. The methodology of historical research is composed of a seria of fundamental concepts and techniques which diminishes the subjectivity of the historian in finding the truth. During the Antique period, the research methodology in history had a rather narrative aspect, although Thucydides (460 – 400 î.Hr.) insisted on an accurate chronology. The research method is gaining accuracy during the Roman period, due to a rigorous perspective specific to the roman imperial ideology, and a very keen relationship between the sacred and the profane reality, but still subjective in relation to the importance of the ”pater familias” model, in its succession from the head of the roman family, to the head of the Imperium. Historians such as Lucian de Samosata (120-180) and Lorenzo Valla (1407-1457) will do the transition towards accuracy in the methodology of approaching historical facts. The Medieval Eve, tributary to preserving sources, will be headed in late XV century towards a more rational approach on historic events analysis, while the Enlightenment will consolidate the transition towards a methodology of research based on a critic selection of sources on one hand and on a cause-effect relation which constitutes the main issue of the present approach in scientific history domain. A accurate and updated research methodology in history is highly important to consolidate the theoretical background defining history as distinctive science in socio-human science field.

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