Rafael Ross M.

Bilbao Sci1

History 11

Explain and discuss the following items below.

1. In your own understanding, What is historical criticism?

Historical criticism is when we study, interpret and evaluate texts or phrases, particularly
religious texts, by examining their historical context. It involves analyzing the authorship, date of
composition, cultural background, and social setting of the text to better understand its meaning and
significance. Historical criticism aims to uncover the original intentions of the author and the historical
circumstances that influenced the creation of the text. By understanding the historical context, we can
understand the intention of the writer why he/she wrote that text or journals.

2. Discuss the importance of historical criticism.

Historical criticism is important because it helps us understand texts in their original context,
uncover the author's intentions, analyze cultural and social influences, trace textual development, and
ensure accurate interpretation. It allows us to appreciate the significance and meaning of texts within
their historical framework.

3. Do you believe that writing history is subjective? Why? Explain.

I believe that writing history can be subjective to some extent. While historians strive to be
objective and present an accurate account of events, their interpretations and biases can still influence
the way history is written. Different historians may have different perspectives, access to varying
sources, and cultural or ideological backgrounds that shape their understanding of events. These factors
can lead to variations in the interpretation and presentation of historical narratives. However, it is
important for historians to strive for objectivity by relying on evidence, conducting thorough research,
and acknowledging multiple perspectives to minimize subjectivity in historical writing.

4. How can the writing of history be objective? Explain

To write history objectively, we should always use reliable evidence, consider different
viewpoints and interpretations of historical events, evaluate sources critically, examining their
credibility, context, and potential biases, and we should be transparent about the methodology,
sources, and limitations of the research. With these factors we can write history objectively.

5. What criteria do historical researchers use to validate their sources of data? Discuss and explain.

Historical researchers validate their sources of data using several criteria. They examine the
authenticity of a source by assessing its origin, authorship, and provenance. Reliability is evaluated by
comparing referencea with other sources and checking for accuracy and consistency. Objectivity is
considered by analyzing potential biases of the author. Contextual relevance ensures that the source is
applicable to the historical period being studied. Internal consistency and external corroboration are
assessed to ensure logical coherence and support from other sources. Lastly, researchers consider
scholarly consensus to gauge the acceptance of a source among experts. These criteria help researchers
establish the credibility and accuracy of their sources, leading to a more reliable understanding of
history.