rph-ramosw

[rph-ramosw]

Based on the topic itself, “Understanding History Using Primary and Secondary Sources,” My initial knowledge about it comes from the meaning of words like “Primary Source,” which, according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary (n.d.), “is a first-hand experience of an event.”  Moreover, “Secondary Source” means “a report that is based on a first-hand account (Merriam-Webster, n.d.) When it comes to the topic itself, my initial knowledge is that history can be learned from primary and secondary sources. In my opinion, the Primary source is the most credible source of the two since, based on the definition itself, it comes from first-hand experience or people who have experienced the event. However, since the topic is about understanding history, which can span decades into the past and exceed the life span of humans, I would assume that most of its sources are secondary when it comes to learning history. 

After going through the reading material of Howell, M. & Walter, P. (2001), “From Reliable Sources: An Introduction to Historical Methods,” I was surprised to learn that sources in history are not just from first-hand experiences or reports of events. Still, sources can also be from artifacts or relics left by the past. In line with that, relics can provide light on historical relationships, cultures, and technical skills because of their very presence. Moreover, I also learned that primary sources like testimonies are written or spoken accounts of events, such as speeches or commentary, that provide details on what transpired, how it happened, under what conditions, and why. The reading of Howell, M. & Walter, P. (2001) also widened my perspective on the importance of sources in history and how these sources provide historians with the foundational knowledge necessary to comprehend historical events, cultures, and society. Additionally, the reading of  Howell, M. & Walter, P. (2001) also discussed the roles of sources in history, such as how historians use sources to modify and arrange historical events to create narratives to help with their placement and interpretation. Sources also help facilitate the comparison of artifacts from several locations, exposing trade, intellectual, and cultural ties. The reading of Gottschalk, L. (1969) “Understanding History: A Primer Of Historical Method” shed light on how historians analyze historical documents and how it entails more than just looking at objects up close; it also entails analyzing history's genetic and dynamic aspects. Moreover, historians examine artifacts to obtain reliable information that fits into a theory or setting. In line with that, I also learned about the credibility of historical artifacts. When based on firsthand observation and readily documented, basic and thoroughly verified historical truths are seldom contested. While conflicts over specific details are more commonly the result of a deficiency of firsthand observation than of disagreements between witnesses. I also learned about historical analysis and�� how it entails carefully going over records to find reliable information that adds to a thorough comprehension of the past. Historians are able to construct a logical story that clarifies historical events and their relationships by assessing the credibility of authors and obtaining pertinent details.

Overall, I learned quite a lot from the reading materials provided. Some of the learnings that stuck with me are how artifacts and relics can also be a form of source when it comes to understanding history. I was also surprised to learn that historians can correlate artifacts to comprehend historical events and culture. I also learned the role of sources in understanding history, such as how historians manipulate and organize historical events to construct narratives that aid in their positioning and understanding. Additionally, sources aid in comparing artifacts from many areas, revealing connections related to trade, intellectual pursuits, and culture. I also learned the importance of checking the credibility of historical artifacts and how artifacts that are easily documented and grounded on firsthand observation, basic historical truths are seldom contested.

Reference:

Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Primary source. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. Retrieved June 1, 2024, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/primary%20source

Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Secondary source. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. Retrieved June 1, 2024, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/secondary%20source

Howell, M. & Walter, P. (2001) From Reliable Sources: An Introduction to Historical Methods 

Gottschalk, L. (1969) Understanding History: A Primer Of Historical Method