Republic of the Philippines

MARINDUQUE STATE COLLEGE

SCHOOL OF GOVERNANCE
Panfilo Manguera Sr. Rd., Tanza, Boac, Marinduque 4900 (Main Campus)
Tel. No.: 332-03-23 Email Address: icje@mscmarinduque.edu.ph
Website: www.marinduquestatecollege.edu.ph

Module 1.2

Chapter 1: Primary and Secondary Sources

Learning Objectives:
 To understand the meaning of history as an academic discipline and to be familiar with
the underlying philosophy methodology of the discipline.
 To apply the knowledge in historical methodology and philosophy in assessing and
analyzing existing historical narratives.
 To examine and assess critically the value of historical evidences and sources.
 To appreciate the importance of history in the social and national life of the Philippines

Primary and Secondary Sources

History is being written based on the actual evidence, manuscripts, and written
documents which provide sources of historical information. There are two categories of
historical data:

Primary Source/s

 It provides direct or firsthand evidence about an event, object, person, or work of art.
 It contains firsthand" knowledge about historical events, figures, and people.
 It provides compelling and direct evidence of human activity.
 These are the things that were created or in use during the period which is being studied.
 These sources are actual records that have survived from the past.

Secondary Source/s

 It is something that was not made by someone or by a group of people who participated
in the historical era which is being studied.
 These are usually created by historians and scholastic writers based on their
interpretation of the primary sources.
 These are sources of historical data which are created later or after the historical event
which is being studied and provided by the people who were not present in that event.
 It describes, discuss, interpret, comment upon, analyze, evaluate, summarize, and
process primary sources.
Examples of Primary and Secondary Sources

PRIMARY SOURCES SECONDARY SOURCES

 Autobiography  Biography
 Memoirs  Encyclopedia
of Primary and Secondary Sources
 Eyewitness Accounts  Textbooks
 Diary  Thesis
 Fossils  Dissertation
 Relics  Interviews
 Letters  News Reports
 Photographs  Movies
 Speeches  News Articles
 Videos  Scholarly Journals
 Legal Documents  Transcriptions
 Ornaments  Almanacs
 Clothing  Dictionaries
 Tools

Evaluating Historical Data

There are two ways on how to examine historical sources for the scholastic writers and
historians to validate the authenticity of the sources that they have collected to be used as the
reference of the historical account that they are going to publish. These are:

Internal Criticism

 It looks within the data itself to try to determine the truth-facts and the reasonable
interpretation.
 It includes looking at the personal data providers apparent or possible motives.
 It indicates the accuracy, trustworthiness, and integrity of the materials to which
historical data will be based.
External Criticism

 It applies experimental science to certify the authenticity of the material that holds the
data in which historical information will be based.
 It entails such physical and technical tests as the dating of paper when a document is
written.
 It involves knowledge of when certain things existed, or it supports the claim whether it is
possible or impossible to exist.
 It evaluates the authenticity and genuineness of data.

Internal and external criticisms are both critical in studying history for it is society's
collective memory. Every historian scrutinizes the evidence of the past to describe past events
with accuracy. Historians play a significant role in our society in the sense that they are the
keepers of the most critical events in the history of his generation and the previous generation.

Go says it is closely related to the notion that history is a road to self- knowledge is the
belief that to comprehend the present, one must study the past. History is vital for understanding
the issues and problems that presently confront the world. Of course, this is not to say that
history can have the answer or solution to present day problems. To some extent, all historical
events are unique because history never precisely repeats itself. Even the study of close historical
parallels will not provide specific solutions to current problems. But to attempt to handle
contemporary issues without seeking to know the relevant factual background is highly
undesirable and, perhaps, dangerous.

As it is regarded that history is essential in protecting the true identity of a certain race,
state, and country every primary and secondary source that serve as relics of the past must be
adequately evaluated through the process of science and thorough investigation with the aid of
internal and external criticism.

"Whoever wishes to foresee the future must consult the past; for human events ever
resemble those of preceding times? This arises from the fact that they are produced by men who
ever have been, and ever shall be animated by the same passions, and thus necessarily have the
same results -(Niccolo Machiavelli).
Chapter Exercises

A. Identification: Identify the following italicized source of historical information whether it is

a PRIMARY SOURCE or SECONDARY SOURCE. Write your answer on the given space.

_______________ 1. The documentary films about the "Oplan Tokhang aired in many
international news agencies are a source of information about Pres. Rodrigo R. Duterte's drug on
war.
_______________ 2. The biography of Jose P. Rizal authored by Gregorio F. Zaide is a source
of information about the life and works of our national hero.
_______________ 3. The replica of "Lolong' in the National Museum is a source of information
about saltwater crocodiles in the Philippines.
_______________ 4. The "Motto Stella" which is the monument of Dr. Jose P. Rizal is a source
of relevant information about his life and heroism.
_______________ 5. Coins from the Central Bank of the Philippines are sources of information
about Philippine heroes.
_______________ 6. The "Spolarium" is evidence about the artistry of Juan Luna.
_______________ 7. "I-Witness" which is one of the premier news and current affair shows in
GMA 7 provides information about social issues in the Philippines.
_______________ 8. The speech of Juan Ponce Enrile during the impeachment is a source of
information about the case filed against former Chief Justice Renato Corona.
_______________ 9. The old canyons in Corregidor Island are evidence of Filipino bravery
during the world war.
_______________ 10. Campaign jingles give the voters information about the political platforms
of the candidates in both local and national government.

B. Directions: Using the diagram below discuss the similarities and differences between Internal
and External Criticism.