Group 1

Meaning and Relevance of History

Distinction of primary and secondary sources

External and Internal Criticism

Repository of Primary Sources

Different Kinds of Primary Sources

Alberto, Rhaiza y.

Buenaventura, Johan C.

Fermo, Eric DR.

Cariete, Patrick George G.

ACT-AD 1
 Meaning and Relevance of History

History is more than just a collection of past events; it is a record of

humanity's journey, detailing our achievements, struggles, and societal evolution
from the earliest times to the present. It helps us understand who we are, where we
come from, and how our world has been shaped over the centuries. History is not
only a field of study but also a form of literature that brings the past to life through
stories of human experience.

At its core, history is the documented record of human achievements and

societal changes. As a field of study, it allows us to explore how people lived,
governed, and interacted in different eras. Historians play a crucial role in this
process, as they gather and interpret primary sources—such as documents,
artifacts, and eyewitness accounts—to present a comprehensive view of the past.
Their work helps to portray significant events and the rise and fall of societies in a
way that is both engaging and educational.

History also serves as a reflection of human resilience and adaptability. It

shows how societies have evolved from barbarism to more civilized forms, meeting
and overcoming various challenges along the way. By understanding these patterns,
we can learn valuable lessons about our own time and how we might navigate the
future.

There are different types of historical sources that historians rely on. Primary
sources provide firsthand accounts of events, while secondary sources offer
interpretations based on these original materials. Together, these sources help to
create a fuller picture of the past, enabling us to appreciate the complexity and
richness of human history.

The study of history is essential for understanding human development and

the changes that have shaped our world. Through the work of historians and the
analysis of primary and secondary sources, we gain insights into our past that can
guide our present and future. History is not just about dates and events; it's about
understanding the journey of humanity and the lessons we can learn from it.
 Distinction of primary and secondary sources

In studying history, understanding the types of sources is important for

analyzing events and drawing accurate conclusions. These sources provide the
evidence that historians rely on to interpret the past. They are categorized into three
main types: primary sources, secondary sources, and general references. Each
serves a specific purpose in historical research and analysis.

There are basically two types of sources in history: the primary sources and
the secondary sources.

Primary sources are considered as the lifeblood of history. De Viana (2015)

states that the primary source directly talks about the subject matter. Accounts of
people who are direct participants or eyewitnesses to an event are also primary
sources.

Examples of primary sources are minutes of meeting, diaries and journals,

autobiographies, speeches, receipts, essays written by a person expressing his
views, laws, letters of instructions, decrees, letters, eyewitness accounts, official
reports, newsletter articles reporting directly about the event, editorials, or books
containing direct quotations of events.

Secondary sources are documents or works made by individuals who are not
directly involved in the events or made by people who obtained the information from
somebody else or from primary sources. Examples of secondary sources are
textbooks, encyclopedia entries, newspaper accounts of a meeting, magazine
articles about a subject, or teachers' reports on student behavior as reported by
school counselors.

There is also a third classification of sources called general references. A

general reference merely points the reader to the primary or secondary source.
Examples are the contents of a card catalogue. Even incomplete information on the
internet called stubs considered as abstracts or summaries of books is also a
general reference.

In summary, Distinction among historical sources are important tools for

understanding the past. Primary sources provide direct, unfiltered accounts of
events, while secondary sources analyze and interpret those events using primary
materials. General references, on the other hand, serve as guides to locate and
organize these sources. Knowing their differences and roles is essential for
conducting thorough and credible historical research.
 External and Internal Criticism

Historical research relies heavily on the careful evaluation of sources, which

were often not created for research purposes. Therefore, historians must rigorously
assess these sources for authenticity and accuracy. This process is divided into two
key steps: external criticism and internal criticism (Gottchalk, 1969).

External criticism focuses on verifying whether a historical source is genuine

or a forgery. This is especially important for older sources, where the risk of
alterations increases. Researchers can use scientific methods, such as physical and
chemical tests, to confirm the age and authenticity of documents and artifacts.
Authenticity is crucial because any inaccurate or fabricated source would undermine
the research’s foundation (Gottchalk, 1969).Internal criticism examines the reliability
and accuracy of the content within the source. Four key factors are considered: (1)
the author’s expertise, (2) the time gap between the event and the documentation,
(3) the author’s potential biases, and (4) the consistency of the information across
different sources (Gottchalk, 1969). The author’s qualifications and experience with
the event, the time elapsed since it occurred, and any personal biases all influence
how the source is interpreted. Consistency across multiple sources enhances the
credibility of the data, After evaluating the authenticity and accuracy of the data,
historians can construct an objective narrative. This analysis relies on logical
reasoning rather than statistical methods, as historical research often deals with
complex, human-centered events (Grey & Biong, 2017).

In historical research, it is essential to verify the authenticity and accuracy of

sources through external and internal criticism. These methods ensure that
researchers base their findings on reliable data, allowing for an objective and
credible understanding of past events.
 Repository of Primary Sources

The repository of primary sources serves as a crucial cornerstone in the

preservation of historical evidence, enabling societies to safeguard their cultural
heritage and gain insights into their past. These storage centers house invaluable
artifacts, documents, photographs, and other items that authenticate historical
events and experiences. In the Philippines, repositories such as the National
Archives and the National Library play a vital role in preserving the nations identity
and ensuring that future generations can access and appreciate their cultural and
historical legacy.

According to an article "Towards an Open Source Repository and

Preservation System" by Kevin Bradley et al., a repository of primary sources is a
system or platform designed to preserve, store, and manage digital artifacts and
documents that serve as authentic evidence of historical, cultural, or societal events.
These repositories are critical for ensuring the long-term preservation and
accessibility of primary materials, which include images, audio, text, and video files.

Primary source repositories serve multiple essential functions in society. They

provide authentic and tangible evidence of historical events, offering researchers and
citizens the opportunity to connect with the past. Institutions like the National
Museum of the Philippines house collections of archaeological and ethnographic
artifacts that reflect the cultural and historical heritage of the country. The National
Archives ensures the preservation of public records, such as civil registry documents
and official government records, which are essential for understanding governance
and societal developments over time.

Moreover, local repositories such as El Museo de Zamboanga and the

Zamboanga City Library contribute to the enrichment of regional history. While the
City Library primarily focuses on books and manuscripts, it still holds significant
materials that highlight the historical and cultural contributions of the Zamboanga
region. These repositories, complemented by private collections like the Ayala
Museum, showcase a broad spectrum of primary sources ranging from pre-colonial
artifacts to personal letters and legislative records.
 Laws and policies further emphasize the importance of preserving primary
sources in the Philippines. The 1987 Constitutions Article XIV mandates the state to
conserve and promote the nations cultural heritage. Additionally, Republic Act No.
9470, known as the National Archives Act of 2007, and Republic Act No. 10066, the
National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009, provide legal frameworks for protecting and
managing archival and cultural resources. These efforts ensure that repositories
remain a trusted source for historical accuracy and cultural education.

International repositories, such as Spains Archivo General de Indias and the

United States Library of Congress, also hold materials related to the Philippines,
reflecting its colonial history and connections with other nations. These collections
are vital for understanding the broader context of Philippine history and its
interactions with the global community.

In concluding this topic, preserving, protecting, funding and fostering a deeper

understanding of our nations cultural identity. By providing access authentic
materials, these repositories enable us to verify historical narratives and appreciate
the richness of the past. In the Philippines, both national and local repositories,
alongside supportive laws and policies, ensure the continuity of the nations historical
and cultural wealth. As stewards of these invaluable resources, it is our shared
responsibility to support and respect these repositories, ensuring that future
generations can continue to learn from and be inspired by their heritage.
 Different Kinds of Primary Sources

Primary sources are important for learning about history because they give us
direct evidence and firsthand accounts of events from the past. These sources help
us understand what life was like in different times by showing us what people
created, wrote, or experienced. From fossils to personal letters, each type of primary
source plays a role in helping historians learn about and interpret history.

Human fossils are some of the oldest primary sources and help us learn about
early humans and how they evolved. Artifacts, like tools and pottery, show us how
people lived and what technologies they used in the past. Royal decrees and laws
provide insight into how societies were governed and what rules they followed.
Official reports document important actions and events taken by governments or
organizations.

Chronicles and friar accounts tell stories of historical events and often include
personal observations. Maps help us understand how people saw the world and how
territories were divided. Memoirs and personal accounts give us a closer look at
individual experiences during different periods in history.

Newspapers and magazines record daily life and public opinion during their
time. Legislative journals and court records show how laws were made and applied.
Speeches capture the words of leaders and influential figures, often reflecting
important issues of their time.

Personal letters offer a glimpse into private thoughts and relationships,

showing how people felt and communicated. Online databases and blogs are
modern forms of primary sources that store and share information. Documentary
films provide visual and factual stories about events, and recorded interviews
preserve the voices and memories of people who experienced history firsthand.

Primary sources are essential for understanding history because they give us
real evidence from the past. Whether it’s a fossil, a letter, or a documentary, each
type helps us learn more about human life and how societies have changed over
time. By studying these sources, we can get a clearer picture of our history and how
it has shaped the world we live in today.
 References

Grey, E., & Biong R. (20170. Readings in Philippine History. Malones Printing Press
and Publishing House, Jaro, Iloilo.