Historical Interpretation and
Multiperspectivity
Introduction
• History evolves with new interpretations and
evidence.
• Critical evaluation is essential to
understanding past events.
• This presentation discusses historical
interpretation, source criticism, and
multiperspectivity.
Understanding Historical Interpretation
• History is a construct shaped by historians'
interpretations.
• Geoffrey Barraclough describes history as
reconstructing the past based on fragmentary
evidence.
• Historical narratives depend on available
sources and biases.
The Code of Kalantiaw - An Overview
• A supposed legal code from 1433, attributed
to Datu Kalantiaw.
• Included laws with harsh punishments for
crimes.
• Once considered a significant historical
document of the Philippines.
The Code of Kalantiaw - Debunking the
Myth
• Proven a hoax by historian William Henry
Scott in 1968.
• Traced to a fictional work by José E. Marco in
1913.
• Despite being debunked, some still believe in
its legitimacy.
William Henry Scott (1921-1993)
• American historian specializing in Philippine
history.
• Conducted extensive research on pre-Hispanic
sources.
• Proved the Code of Kalantiaw to be a hoax in
1968.
• Author of numerous books on Philippine
history.
José E. Marco (1878 - 1963)
• Introduced the Code of Kalantiaw in 1913.
• Claimed it was based on historical documents.
• Later research proved his works were fictional
fabrications.
'Sa Aking Mga Kabata' - Overview
The next section examines the authorship controversy
surrounding the poem "Sa Aking Mga Kabata",
traditionally attributed to José Rizal. The poem, allegedly
written by Rizal at the age of eight, contains the famous
line: "Ang hindi magmahal sa kanyang salita, mahigit sa
hayop at malansang isda." However, there is no concrete
evidence proving that Rizal wrote this poem.
'Sa Aking Mga Kabata' - Authorship Debate
• No existing manuscript in Rizal's handwriting.
• First published in 1906 by Hermenegildo Cruz.
• The word "kalayaan" appears in the poem, yet Rizal
only first encountered this term through Marcelo H. del
Pilar’s translation of El Amor Patrio.
• Use of 'k' and 'w' suggests a more modern writing style.
• Rizal, educated in Spanish from a young age, struggled
with expressing himself in Tagalog, making it unlikely
that an eight-year-old Rizal wrote a polished Tagalog
poem.
José Rizal (1861-1896)
• A Filipino nationalist and writer.
• Wrote 'Noli Me Tangere' and 'El
Filibusterismo'.
• Executed in 1896 for his role in the Philippine
revolution.
• Doubt exists regarding his authorship of 'Sa
Aking Mga Kabata'.
Multiperspectivity in History
• History is biased, partial, and shaped by
different viewpoints.
• Encourages considering multiple perspectives
when analyzing events.
• Aims to construct a well-rounded
understanding of the past.
Challenges in Historical Interpretation
• Historians may misinterpret evidence.
• Political or ideological influences can shape
narratives.
• Omission of facts: Leaving out significant
details to create a one-sided story.
• Source selection bias: Deciding which sources
to prioritize.
Importance of Source Criticism
• Not all primary sources are reliable.
• Historians must verify authenticity before
accepting documents.
• Misinterpretations can create historical myths.
Common Historical Myths
• The Code of Kalantiaw as an ancient legal
code.
• José Rizal writing 'Sa Aking Mga Kabata' as a
child.
• Debunked myths show the need for careful
historical analysis.
Case Study - The Code of Kalantiaw
• A fabricated legal code that influenced
Philippine history.
• Example of how historical inaccuracies can
persist for decades.
Case Study - 'Sa Aking Mga Kabata'
• An example of how false attributions can
shape national identity.
• Highlights the importance of verifying
historical claims.
Lessons from Historical Myths
• Historians must critically evaluate sources.
• Public education should emphasize historical
accuracy.
• Understanding past mistakes can prevent
future misinformation.
Conclusion
• History is shaped by interpretations of
historians.
• Myths like the Code of Kalantiaw and 'Sa Aking
Mga Kabata' show why source criticism is vital.
• Multiperspectivity ensures a broader
understanding of the past.
By : Ahmada Luna Dalawis
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