Making Sense of the Past: Historical Interpretation Chapter 3.1
Summary
TLDRIn this educational discourse, Redentor S. Adas explores the concept of historical interpretation, emphasizing its subjectivity and the importance of understanding its reliability. The lecture delves into the nature of history as a study of the past with a contemporary impact, using the 'Code of Kalan' as a case study to illustrate the pitfalls of accepting historical accounts without critical evaluation. It also touches on the evolution of historical perspectives, the significance of multiperspectivity, and the necessity for students of history to engage with primary sources and interpretations to form a nuanced understanding of the past.
Takeaways
- 📚 Historical interpretation is the act of explaining or framing our understanding of the past, emphasizing its impact on the present.
- 🕵️♂️ Jeffrey Barako, an English historian, suggests that the history we read is not strictly factual but a series of accepted judgments by historians.
- 📜 The Code of KalanCha is an example of historical fiction that was once believed to be a genuine historical document but was later debunked.
- 🔍 William Henry Scott's research revealed the Code of KalanCha to be a work of historical fiction, challenging the accepted narrative.
- 👨🏫 The importance of historical interpretation lies in its ability to shape our understanding of the past and influence our present.
- 🤔 The reliability of historical interpretation is crucial, as it can vary based on who reads the primary sources, when, and how they are read.
- 📖 Non-historians interpreting primary sources without proper training can lead to misunderstandings and misrepresentations of historical events.
- 📝 The process of historical interpretation involves collecting from primary sources and drawing one's own conclusions to make sense of the past.
- 🌟 Multiperspectivity is a key concept in historical interpretation, acknowledging that there are multiple valid perspectives on historical events.
- 🧩 Historical writing is inherently biased and partial, with historians selecting sources and interpretations to fit their narrative or end goal.
Q & A
What is the definition of historical interpretation according to the script?
-Historical interpretation refers to the act of explaining, framing, or otherwise showing one's understanding of something objective from the past.
Why is it important to critically evaluate historical interpretation?
-It is important to critically evaluate historical interpretation because it helps us understand the past accurately, identify if the interpretation is reliable, and consider different perspectives on historical events.
What does Jeffrey Barako suggest about the nature of history we read?
-Jeffrey Barako suggests that the history we read, although based on facts, is not strictly factual but a series of accepted judgments by historians on how the past should be seen.
What is the significance of the Code of Kalancha in the context of the script?
-The Code of Kalancha is significant because it was initially considered a historical marker but was later revealed to be a hoax when William Henry Scott exposed it as a historical fiction written by J. E. Marco in 1913.
How did the Code of Kalancha come to be associated with Bendar Kalancha?
-The Code of Kalancha was associated with Bendar Kalancha because he put his name at the end of the code, and it was initially believed that he was the first Filipino lawgiver who established the penal code.
What is multiperspectivity in the context of historical interpretation?
-Multiperspectivity is the concept of looking at historical events, personalities, developments, cultures, and societies from different perspectives, acknowledging that each view could be equally valid and partial.
Why might non-historians misinterpret primary sources according to the script?
-Non-historians might misinterpret primary sources because they lack the proper training and background to understand them correctly, which can lead to misunderstandings and even more significant problems.
What role do historians play in shaping our understanding of the past?
-Historians play a crucial role in shaping our understanding of the past by deciding which sources to use, how to interpret them, and presenting their findings to the public, which forms the basis of historical interpretation.
What is the importance of tracking changes in historical interpretations over time?
-Tracking changes in historical interpretations over time is important for understanding the evolution of our understanding of the past and for recognizing how different perspectives and new evidence can alter our view of history.
What is the significance of the poem 'Maros' in the context of historical interpretation?
-The poem 'Maros' is significant because it illustrates the challenges in attributing authorship and the complexities in verifying historical sources, highlighting the importance of critical evaluation in historical interpretation.
How can students of history ensure they are interpreting historical events accurately?
-Students of history can ensure accurate interpretation by critically evaluating different types of interpretations, understanding the context in which they were written, and considering multiple perspectives.
Outlines
📜 Historical Interpretation and Reliability
The first paragraph introduces the concept of historical interpretation as a means to understand the past. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing the subjective nature of history, as it is often a series of accepted judgments by historians rather than purely factual accounts. The discussion includes the definition of history as provided by Jeffrey Barako, an English historian, and the idea that history is not just about the past but also its impact on the present. The paragraph also touches on the Code of KalanCha, a historical marker in Batan Aan, and its controversial status as a historical document, which was later revealed to be a hoax. The narrative highlights the necessity of critically evaluating historical sources and interpretations to discern their reliability.
🔍 The Role of Primary Sources in Historical Interpretation
The second paragraph delves into the significance of primary sources in shaping historical narratives. It discusses how historians use primary sources to form their interpretations, which are then communicated to the public. The paragraph points out the challenges non-historians face in interpreting primary sources due to a lack of proper training and context, which can lead to misunderstandings or misrepresentations of historical events. The discussion includes the example of a poem attributed to José Rizal, a national hero, whose authorship is questioned due to a lack of concrete evidence. This example illustrates the importance of critical evaluation in historical studies and the potential pitfalls of accepting historical accounts without scrutiny.
🤔 Multiperspectivity in History and Its Impact on Identity
The third paragraph explores the concept of multiperspectivity in historical studies, which refers to the examination of historical events, personalities, and cultures from various viewpoints. It acknowledges that historical writing is inherently biased and partial, as historians select which sources to use and how to interpret them based on their perspectives. The paragraph also addresses the idea that historical interpretations can change over time, and it is crucial for students of history to be aware of these shifts to form a more accurate understanding of the past. The discussion concludes with a call for a multiperspectival approach to history, which can provide a more nuanced and comprehensive view of historical events and their implications for national identity.
📚 Conclusion: The Complexity and Importance of Historical Study
The final paragraph wraps up the discussion by reiterating the complexity of historical study and the importance of a multiperspectival approach. It underscores the need for historians to consider various sources and perspectives to avoid misinterpretation and to present a more balanced view of history. The paragraph also serves as a reminder that historical interpretations are not static and that ongoing research and evaluation are essential to refine our understanding of the past. The conclusion encourages students to engage with historical materials critically and to be open to multiple interpretations, acknowledging that history is a construct that is subject to change and reinterpretation.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Historical Interpretation
💡Reliability
💡Jeffrey Barako
💡Code of Kalancha
💡William Henry Scott
💡Primary Sources
💡Multiperspectivity
💡Historical Fiction
💡Jose Maria Fabron
💡Critical Evaluation
💡Cultural Identity
Highlights
Historical interpretation is the act of explaining or framing our understanding of the past.
History is not just the study of the past but also how it impacts the present through its consequences.
Jeffrey Barako defines history as an attempt to discover significant things about the past based on fragmentary evidence.
Historical interpretation is based on a series of accepted judgments by historians on how the past should be seen.
The Code of KalanCha is a mythical legal code that was once a source of pride for the people of Aklan.
William Henry Scott exposed the Code of KalanCha as a historical fiction written in 1913 by J. E. Marco.
The authenticity of historical sources is crucial for understanding the past accurately.
Non-historian interpretation of primary sources can lead to misunderstandings and problems.
Historical interpretation varies according to who reads the primary source, when, and how it was read.
Students of history must be equipped to recognize different types of interpretation and critically assess them.
Interpretations of historical events change over time, requiring students of history to track these changes.
The poem 'Maros' is an example of how historical attribution can be questioned and re-evaluated.
The poem 'Kalayaan' is believed to have been written by José Rizal, but its authorship is disputed.
The use of certain words and spelling in 'Kalayaan' raises questions about its authenticity.
History is a construct open to interpretation, and it is important to critically evaluate historical interpretations.
Multiperspectivity is a concept that allows for multiple valid but partial views of historical events.
Historians' bias and preconceptions influence the selection of sources and interpretations in historical writing.
It is essential to research and understand the historical background, developments, and cultures from multiple perspectives.
Transcripts
[Music]
good day everyone I'm Redentor s Adas
from BS and Social Work 1C today we are
going to talk about the making sense of
the past historical
interpretation
interpretation this refers the act of
explaining or framing or otherwise
showing your own understanding of
something objective to understand the
importance of historical interpretation
and to identify if the historical
interpretation Rel
relable so what is history history is
the study of the past but a more
contemporary definition is centered on
how it impacts the present through its
consequences je varo defines history as
the attempt to discover on the basis of
fragmentary evidence the significant
things about the past he also notes the
history we read through based on facts
is strictly speaking not factual at all
but a series of accepted judgment such
judgments of his historians on how the
past should be seen make the foundation
of historical interpretation so hisory
is the study of the past just like
[Music]
they jeffre Barako was an English
historian known as a medievalist and
historian of German
born May 1908 died December 26 1984
so Jeffrey Barac the history we read
through based on facts is strictly
speaking not factual at all but a series
of judgment
of the code ofo is a mythical legal code
in the epic history maragas before it
was revealed as a hawk it was a source
of Pride for the people of a clan in
fact a historical marker was installed
in the town of batan aan in 19 56 with
the following text so
text Pride aklan code of kalancha D
bendar kalancha third chief of panai
born in aklan establishes government in
the peninsula of batang aklan Sak
considered the first Filipino lawgiver
he promulgated about 1433 a penal code
known as a code of calano containing
article Don Marcelo orila of Saragosa
Spain obtain the original manuscript
from an old chief of Panay which was
later translated into Spanish by rapael
morido Is Amani it was only in 1986 that
is was proved a hawk when William Henry
Scot then a doctoral candidate at the
University of Santo Thomas defend his
research on prehispanic sources in
Philippine history he attributed the
code to historical fiction written in
1913 by J E Marco titled last atinga
Leen
deas is De Negros Marco attributed the
code of itself to a priest named Jose
Maria fabor prominent Filipino
historians did not descend to Scot's
findings but there are still some would
like to believe that the code is
legitimate and you will notice that the
code of kalancha was kalancha written
because the bendar kalancha put his name
at the end
and the code of 18 article
Commandments and
Punishment light to being cut to pieces
and
thr
dendara you shall not kill neither shall
you steal or shall you hurt the Aged Le
you incure the danger of death and
seeing all night and slavery
slavery Commandments and Punishment
B and
1986
of
or pride of Alan by William Henry Scott
then a doctoral candidate at the
University of SAS defended his research
on prehispanic sources in Philippine
history meanwhile Marco ascribed the
book fictitious rer named Jose Maria
fabon when in fact it was actually his
perjury so William Henry Scott exposed
many broad writers during his time in
Scot findings it states there that Monte
claro never mentioned the chief of Panay
so from the beginning the code of Kalan
kalancha is not part of the Filipino
story also if you didn't
know
Mar and manipulative writer of
hisory pride of a clan I isang hawk or
pek historian utiliz collected from Prim
primary sources of history and then draw
their own reading so that their intended
audience May understand the historical
event event a process that in essence
makes sense of the fast the premise is
that not all primary sources are
accessible to a general audience without
the proper training and background a non
historian interpreting a primary source
may do more harm than a good primary
source may even cause misunderstanding
sometimes even resulting in more problem
for example during maros
even is during his is
goodth proper background legit because
an non historian without proper back
proper background I harmful
so
ever proper backr
author
cation interpretation of the past
therefore vary according to who reads
the primary source when it was read and
how it was read as the student as
students of History we must be well
equipped to recognize different types of
interpretation why this may differ from
each other and how to critically shft
this interpretation through historical
evaluation
interpretations of historical events
change over time thus it is an important
skill for a student of History to track
these changes in is an attempt to
understand the past just like said just
like I said
example
maros is and some people is maros during
his time
perspective and understanding
is a poem perfectly written by oeral
when he was 8 years old and is probably
one of his Ral most prominent works
there is no evidence to support the
claim that this poem with the now
immortalized lines
and was written by and wor the evidence
against authorship of the poem seems all
unsalable there exists no Manus script
of the poem hand written by Ral this
poem was first published 1906 in a book
by herig guildo Cruz Cruz said he
received the poem from Gabriel VTO
Francisco who claimed to have received
in 1884 from Ral close friend sator
saturnino rases Ral never mentioned
writing this poem anywhere in his
writings and more importantly he never
mention of having a close friend by
person raelis
further criticism of the poem reveals
more about the wrongful attribution of
the poem to Ral the poem was written
Tagalog and referred to the word kalayan
but it was document in the result in Ral
letters that he first encountered the
word through a Marcelo H delpillar
translation of R essays El Amore patrio
when he was spelled
kalayan while res res native tongue was
Tagalog and he was educated in Spanish
starting from his mother Theodora Alonso
later on he would Express disappointment
in difficulty in expressing himself in
his n native tongue the poem spelling is
also suspect the use of letter K and W
to replace C and U respectively was
suggested by Ral as an adult if the poem
was indeed written during his time it
should use the original Spanish
orography that was prevalent in in his
time so there's this conspiracy theory
that oeral didn't
write this is less of conspiracy theory
and more of a misconception or unsolved
mystery or me anyway if you went to
school in the Philippines for at least a
couple of years then you you would have
already about the famous lines that he
was used to shame as if we complain
about studying Filipino it
goes or he who loves not his own
language is worse than beast and
stinking fish this is a line from the
poem which is believed to have been
written byal when he was 18 years old
however that's the thing no one knows if
he he ever actually wrote it or not
according to the the Philippine daily
inquire no original manuscript in result
on hand exist
for traditionally believed to be his
first poem moreover analysis point to
the fact that the word kalayaan or
freedom is used in the poem twice was
the result already aware of his country
Colonial condition at a very young age
apart apart from that kalayan was
spelled with a K in result childhood
they spelled word with C rather than
K many things we accept as through about
the past might not be the case anymore
just because this were taught to us foxs
when we were younger doesn't mean that
is set in stone history is after all a
construct and as a construct it is open
for interpretation there might be
conflicting and competing accounts of
the past that need one's attention and
can impact the way we view our country
history and identity it is important
therefore to subject evaluation not only
primary source but also historical
interpretation of the same to ensure the
current interpretation is reliable to
support our acceptance of events of the
past you see the history can be tricky
and harmful so we need to study
properly the
ofid oneid we need to study more about
history
of
and example and
conclusion P
tala so multiperspectivity
with several possibilities of
interpreting the past another important
concept that we must note is
multiperspectivity this can be defined
as a way of looking at historical events
personalities development cultures and
societies from different perspective
this means that there is multitude of
ways by which can we can view the world
and each could be equally valid and at
the same time equally partial as well
historical writing is by definition bias
partial and contains preconceptions the
historian decides on what sources to use
what interpretation to make more
apparent depending on what his end is
historians many Mis misinterpret
evidence attending to those that suggest
that a certain event happen and then
ignore the rest that goes against
evidence s multi
perspectivity in terms of interpretation
do research more because of wrer is
about
history
mpec perspective even the historical
background and developments and cultures
that's multiperspective dity that's all
thank you
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