The Logic of Historical Research
One of the goals of this class is to practice historical thinking. In other words, to learn to think like a church historian. Application of the Elements of Reasoning to the field of Church history will allow the student to see connections between historical thinking and everyday life situations. Hopefully the student will realize that he or she has been influenced by church history and that church history plays a vital role in creating our own story.
Application of the Elements of Thought mandates the following types of questions
Purpose
All historical research has a fundamental purpose and goal of historical research.
• What is the purpose of Church history?
• What do you hope to accomplish in your study of church history?
Question at Issue
All historical research addresses a fundamental question, problem or issue. What question(s) do historians ask?
• What kinds of questions do historians ask?
• Give some examples.
Information
All historical research identifies data, information, and evidence relevant to its fundamental question at issue.
• What kinds of information are available to historians?
• Give some examples.
Inferences
All historical research contains inferences or interpolations by which conclusions are drawn.
• What kinds of conclusions do historians make?
• Give some examples.
Point of View
All historical research is conducted from some point of view or frame of reference.
• Why is point of view important in reading and writing history?
• What is your point of view?
Assumptions
All historical research is based on assumptions. What assumptions do historians begin with?
• What assumptions do historians begin with?
• What are your assumptions?
• Explain how your assumptions shape your point of view and how you research church history.
Concepts
All historical research is expressed through and shaped by, concepts and ideas. How is history communicated?
• How is history communicated?
• Provide some examples
Implications
All historical research leads somewhere (i.e., has implications and consequences). What are some implications of historical research?
• What are some implications and/or consequences of historical research?
• Provide a list of both positive and negative implications and/or consequences.
