Comparative Analysis

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We have two sources in reading or writing a history these are the Primary and Secondary

sources. Primary sources are created by individuals who have witnessed or experienced the
events firsthand. For example, diaries, letters, original research studies, photographs,
government records, and oral histories. The main advantage of using primary sources is that
they offer a first-hand account of historical events, or they give you a direct insight of that
historical events, allowing researchers to gain a deeper understanding of the past. However,
primary sources can be challenging to interpret, as they often require contextual knowledge
and historical understanding. On the other hand, secondary sources are like the detectives
who gather all the clues and put the puzzle together. They're not directly involved in the
events but they often collect, analyze, and interpret information from primary sources.
Secondary sources can be textbooks, articles, documentaries, and academic papers. They
provide a more comprehensive understanding of a topic as they often viewed or analyze
multiple primary sources, and also adding some interpretation or additional insight.

While studying history we have encountered this book entitled "Sucesos de las Islas
Filipinas" written by Antonio Morga and annotated by Rizal. Primary sources like Morga's
book are like eyewitness accounts of historical events. It provide us with raw, authentic
details straight from the people who lived through those times. In this case, Morga, who was
a Spanish historian and former governor of the Philippines, recounts the events and society
during that period. On the other hand, we have secondary sources, such as the writings of the
great Jose Rizal. He used Morga's book as a reference to shed light on the Philippines'
colonial past. Rizal analyzed, evaluated, and interpreted the primary source to provide us with
a modern perspective.

In conclusion, primary sources are the raw and real deal, straight from the source, while
secondary sources are the enhanced versions. It is essential to consider these two when
conducting study or seeking reliable information and primary sources like Morga's "Sucesos
de las Islas Filipinas," offer a direct window into history, while secondary sources like Rizal's
writings, help us navigate and understand those primary sources from a modern context. Both
primary and secondary sources are important in conducting a study, as they provide different
types of information about a particular topic and by comparing and contrasting the two
sources, researchers can gain a more comprehensive understanding of a topic and evaluate the
reliability and credibility of the information presented.

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