primary source criticism

Primary source criticism is the process of analyzing original documents or artifacts—like letters, laws, or photographs—to assess their authenticity, origin, and reliability. It helps scholars determine whether a source is genuine, understand its context, and identify potential biases or alterations. This method is essential for constructing accurate historical narratives, ensuring that conclusions are based on trustworthy evidence rather than misinterpretations or forgeries. Essentially, it’s a careful examination to verify and understand the true nature of primary materials used in historical research.