Theories & Methods in the study of history

Historians employ several Theories and Methods in the study of history to extract information from the past. They try to search for the truth and patterns to shape the conclusions drawn. Good historians do not allow their predetermined perceptions to effect their interpretations and ensure that the truth is delivered.

Historical studies have given rise to the cliché that history repeats itself and that there is no real advancement. This is the Cyclical Theory. The Linear theory believes in progress and  nurtures the notion that the world can be improvised to make it a wonderful habitat for all.  Those who follow the theory Linear II, such as Jews believe that God would grant pardon with the future bringing a messiah to guide the attainment of salvation. However many people have perceptions such as Christianity changed the pattern of western thinking and that Jesus would come back to redeem all from sins. The theory Linear III believes in Liberalism to aid progress. Generally socialists and communists also vest trust in the ideology of progress.

Another theory is the Great Man theory. Those who follow this theory believe that personalities who possessed a strong character and were incredibly intellectual marked history with popular events. They have attained fame owing to their association with events that are extremely important. They believe that these great individuals caused these events. The Everyman theory is a contradiction to the Great Man theory. According to the Everyman theory not just one human being can hold to shape the world. Followers of the Everyman theory such as sociologists, anthropologists and psychologists give a great regard to joined efforts of commoners as well. Many social historians give attention to study in detail the lives of the ordinary people.

The theory of Great Ideas – Philosophic history believes that changing ideas lead to progress. The theory Great Ideas – Philosophic history II has followers who think that history has fundamental laws and moves towards some objective. Some believe that environment or landscape plays an important role in history leading to the theory of Geographic – Geopolitical. The other kinds of theories such as Ecological History & Eco feminism focus ecology and thought process, Postmodernism theory believes in interpretations alone, Postmodernism II theory relates to deconstructionists, Postmodernism III theory results in rejection of mainstream Western thought, and some defend history by claiming that history is a quest for truth.

Questions:

• What do the followers of cyclical theory believe?
• How do the Great Man and Everyman theory oppose each other?