Here's a breakdown of its key aspects:
1. Sources and Evidence:
* Primary sources: Historians rely on primary sources, which are original materials from the time period being studied. These can include letters, diaries, government documents, photographs, artifacts, and more.
* Secondary sources: These are interpretations and analyses of historical events by other historians. They are valuable for providing different perspectives and understanding the historiography of a topic.
* Source criticism: Historians engage in critical evaluation of sources to determine their authenticity, reliability, and bias. They consider factors such as author's perspective, intended audience, and context of creation.
2. Interpretation and Analysis:
* Historiography: The study of how history has been written and interpreted over time. Historians are aware of the changing perspectives and methodologies that have shaped historical narratives.
* Objectivity and bias: Historians strive for objectivity, but they recognize that all interpretations are influenced by their own perspectives and biases. They strive to be transparent about their assumptions and methods.
* Historical context: Historians analyze events within their specific historical context, considering social, political, economic, and cultural factors that shaped them.
3. Presentation and Communication:
* Academic writing: Historians communicate their findings through peer-reviewed publications, scholarly books, and academic journals.
* Footnotes and bibliographies: These are essential for documenting sources and allowing readers to trace the evidence for historical arguments.
* Historiographical debates: Historians engage in debates and discussions about different interpretations of historical events. This ongoing dialogue helps refine our understanding of the past.
In essence, historical convention provides a framework for historians to conduct their research, analyze evidence, and communicate their findings in a rigorous and credible manner. While these conventions evolve over time, they serve to ensure consistency and quality within the discipline of history.