Readings in Philippine History Examining Historical Evidence PDF

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Summary

It is all about the kalantiaw code that was introduced to the Filipinos back in the 19th century and how it was identified as an historical hoax...

Description

How did the Kalantiaw Code develop as one primary source? Documents, photographs, or artifacts that provide personal witness or direct proof about a historical issue under inquiry are referred to as primary sources. Original records created or experienced contemporaneously with the event being researched are referred to as primary sources. According to the information stated in the video, the kalantiaw code was made by Datu Kalantiaw, himself, chief of the island of Negros back in the 14th century hence, develop as one primary source. It is also stated that someone found a written script of laws or code of Kalantiaw. Apparently, the rules or the things that they need to do if there was a crime committed, back then, were stated in the said written script of law. How did the researchers debunk its authenticity and consider it as a historical hoax? Due to wanting to eliminate the western influence here in the Philippines, Filipinos used to believe that the Kalantiaw code was proof that Filipinos have their own cultures and laws even before the Spaniards colonized the Philippines. Although it lacks evidence and information and made some people be suspicious about it, the Kalantiaw code still made it to the national library and also, was even published in some history books including the famous “History of the Filipino People” by Mr. Teodoro Agoncillo. William Henry Scott, an American historian discovered this hoax in 1965 as a part of his doctoral thesis that he defended in the University of Santo Tomas. Scott questioned the contribution of Marco in the Philippine Historiography including the pre-hispanic. This research, through investigating and questioning its sources, Scott proved that Marco’s contribution to history is a hoax including the Kalantiaw code, and should not be considered as a part of our history....