Final answer:
The study of past events from the cultural perspective of the people it directly impacts is known as historiography, which focuses on understanding the causation and intellectual history behind events. It requires examining all facts, including material culture, and sometimes involves using bias to uncover overlooked stories in history.
Step-by-step explanation:
The study of past events from the cultural perspective of the people it directly impacts is called historiography. This approach involves looking at history not just as a sequence of events, but through a lens that considers the cultural background, perceptions, and influence on those who lived through them. It is essential to avoid the fallacy of teleology, which suggests that history moves towards a predetermined end, and instead recognize that the path of history is shaped by myriad forces and could have unfolded in numerous ways. Through historiography, scholars strive to understand the causation behind events, the intellectual history of the times, and the various ways in which societies evolve.
Moreover, the scientific and humanistic study of human species, including cultural variations from the past and present, contribute to this comprehensive understanding of history. It involves examining all the facts available and imagining alternate historical paths to grasp why certain outcomes prevailed. Historiography requires a balance of objectivity and the informed use of bias to uncover the stories of the less represented or overlooked, as historians did by focusing on ordinary lives during the 1960s and 1970s. It is about connecting with our past and exploring the human narratives that shape our history.
Historians also rely on material culture such as artifacts and architecture, especially for times before written records existed, to piece together the lives and mindsets of historical societies. Overall, historiography and the study of history are fundamental in knowing ourselves and understanding the continuity and change within human societies.