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 historical criticisms may
it be 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.

Setting Up

Name: __________________________________________________ Date: __________

Course/Year/Section: _______________________________

Direction: Answer the following questions using at least two (2) sentences.

1. Why do we need to study history?

_________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________ ________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

2. How can it be used as a tool to understand the present society?

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________
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 the human civilization are
much difficult to grasp and more complex than this.

The word History was 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 documents cannot be proven as a historical fact. Considering only the
written documents as evidence for historical fact is restricting and discriminating against the social
classes that may not be able to 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 are able to write history through historical evidences. 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
being used. This subjectivity poses an issue on the validity of claims toward historical facts. The reason
why historians employ a methodology to ensure that the historian’s biases do not blind his judgement.

Rigor is required for the researchers and historians. Reliable historical evidences 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. Archaeology – a study that traces relevant events through evidences.

b. Linguistics – evolution of languages through History.
c. Sociology – study of the society and culture.
d. Psychology - and history both study about human condition.
e. Biology – focused in the building of links among organism and its environment. f. 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 1900’s 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
heritages and national identity, also stores and manages archival documents that attest to the history
of the nation. Its office is located at the 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

References

Alvarez, S.V. (1992). The Katipunan and the Revolution: Memoirs of a General: With the original
Tagalog text Manila: Ateneo de Manila University Press.

Agoncillo, T.A. , & M. Guerrero (1974). History of the Filipino People. Quezon City: R.P. Garcia.
Candelaria, J.L. and V. Alporha (2018). Readings in Philippine History. Quezon City: Rex Bookstore,
Inc.

Carr, E. (1991). What is History. London, United Kingdom: Penguin.

FRONTLEARNERS

Fox, Robert B. (1970). The Tabon Caves: Archaeological Exploration and Excavations on Palawan
Island, Philippines (National Museum). Manila.
Gottschalk, L. (1963). Understanding History: A primer of historical method (8 print). New York: Alfred
A. Knopf.

Howell, M.C. & W. Prevenier (2005). From reliable sources: An introduction to historical methods.
Ithaca, N.Y. Cornell University Press.

Lemon, M. (1995). The Discipline of History and the History of Thought. New York, United States of
America: Routledge.

Ocampo, A. R. (n.d.). Philippine History from Primary Sources retrieved from February 3, 2019

Scott, W.H. (1984). Critical study of the Prehispanic Source Materials for the Study of Philippine
History: Quezon City: New Day Publishers.
Tosh, J. (2002). The Pursuit of History: Aims, Methods and New Direction in the Study of Modern
History (revised 3rd Edition) London, United Kingdom: Pearson Education Ltd.

http://nationalmuseum.gov.ph

http://nhcp.gov.ph

http://web.nlp.gov,ph

http://nationalarchives.gov.ph