UNIT I. THE MEANING OF HISTORY, SOURCES OF HISTORICAL DATA
AND HISTORICAL CRITICISMS
Overview
This unit introduces the meaning of history and significance of this discipline in the
society. It discusses the bases of historical data, namely primary and secondary sources,
and past criticisms, whether internal or external criticisms, so that readers may ascertain
the authenticity and reliability of primary sources as readings to understand Philippine
History.
Learning Objectives
At the end of the unit, I am able to:
1. understand the meaning and relevance of the study of history;
2. Identify primary and secondary sources and compare internal and external
criticisms; and
3. know how to analyze the credibility, authenticity, and provenance of a primary
source.
Lesson Proper
Lesson 1 Meaning and Relevance of History
Meaning of History
In its most basic definition, history is the study of events that happened in the past
and the causes of those events. However, the meaning and relevance of history to
human civilization are much tricky to grasp and more complex than this.
The word history is derived from the Greek word historia, which means "knowledge
acquired through inquiry or investigation." The classical Latin acquired a new definition
of history as "the account of the past of a person or group of people through written
documents and historical evidences."
While history is past events, Historiography deals with the study of history itself.
Traditional Historians believe that historical events should be backed up with
written documents. Thus, an event that lacks existing materials cannot be proven as a
historical fact. Considering only the written texts as evidence for the historical truth is
restricting and discriminating against the social classes that may not record their own
experiences. Because of this loophole, historians then started considering other forms of
historical sources such as artifacts, architecture, songs, epics, and even passing of
memories and stories by word of mouth.
Historians can write history through historical shreds of evidence. They are
responsible for the analysis, interpretation, and organization of the facts. However, a
historian is still a person influenced by his environment, education, and other
circumstances that may affect the interpretations or methodology. This subjectivity poses
an issue on the validity of claims toward historical facts. The reason why historians employ
a method to ensure that the historian's biases do not blind his judgment.
Rigor is required for researchers and historians. Reliable historical shreds of
evidence should be used to validate claims. With the use of validity related to the
inevitable biases of the historian, several methodologies are applied to ensure as much
objectivity as possible.
Relevance of History
History is related to other disciplines:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
Archaeology – a study that traces relevant events through evidences.
Linguistics – evolution of languages through History.
Sociology – study of the society and culture.
Psychology - and history both study about human condition.
Biology – focused in the building of links among organism and its environment.
Biochemistry - relates greatly in the understanding of the whole organism as well
understanding the society.
Lesson 2 Distinction of Primary sources and Secondary sources; External and Internal
criticism
Historical Sources can be classified into Primary and Secondary Sources.
1. Primary sources – are sources produced while the past event was happening,
usually by actors of history themselves, such as government institutions or
revolutionary leaders. Some examples of primary sources are archival documents,
artifacts, memorabilia, letters, government records, census, etc.
2. Secondary sources – are sources produced by someone who has used a primary
source as the subject of the material. Examples are textbooks published in the late
1900s that focused on the Philippine Revolution as their subject.
External and Internal Criticisms
1. External criticism is the process of verifying historical evidence through its physical
characteristics, and analyzing its material consistency with the Period, it was
produced. This includes the analysis of the language used and the physical
materials such as ink and paper.
2. Internal criticism is the examination of the content of the material, including its
truthfulness. This includes the author's analysis of the source, its context when it was
made or written, and its possible agenda or intended purpose, among others.
Lesson 3 Repositories of primary sources, and different kinds of primary sources
The Philippines has plenty of repositories of historical records of the country.
Examples
are:
A. National Archives of the Philippines – in charge of preserving and promoting
Philippine cultural heritage and national identity, also stores and manages
archival documents that attest to the history of the nation. Its office is located at
United Nations Avenue, Manila.
Image from http://nationalarchives.gov.ph
B. National Library of the Philippines – is the official national library of the country. It is
located in Manila and is under the jurisdiction of the National Commission for the
Culture and the Arts.
Image from http://web.nlp.gov,ph
C. National Historical Commission of the Philippines – is the government agency that
promotes Philippine History and cultural heritage through "research, dissemination,
conservation, site management, and heraldry works."
Image from http://nhcp.gov.ph
D. National Museum of the Philippines – acquires and documents historical and
cultural artifacts, such as archaeological specimens and canonical works of art,
not only for preservation but also for education on national identity. It is located
at Padre Burgos Avenue, Manila.
Image from http://nationalmuseum.gov.ph