Kaisipang Pangkasaysayan: Kalantiaw Code

Study Notes

The Kalantiaw Code is a penal code written by Datu Kalantiaw in 1433.
It was sourced from Fr. Jose Ma. Pavon’s work, Los Antiguas Leyendas de las Islas de Negros, published in 1838.
Jose E. Marco presented the code to the National Library in 1914, where it was noted as the only ancient code of the Philippines by James A. Robertson.
An English translation of the code was published by Robertson in 1917.
Original copies of Pavon’s book were lost during the destruction of the National Library, but typescript copies survived.
The code's authenticity is questioned due to a dubious origin, with no recorded provenance.
The three remaining reproductions of Pavon’s pages reveal variations in writing style and spelling.
Pavon was reportedly not in Himaymalayan during the relevant period and his placement as a parish priest in Cebu raises further doubts about his authorship.
The conclusion suggests the document may have been a deliberate fraud lacking historical validity.

Studying history should focus not just on details, but also on the application of skills in historical thinking.

Change: The understanding that history involves processes and transformations over time.
Continuity: Recognizing which aspects of society have persisted through time.
Multiple causation: Acknowledging that events often have various contributing factors.
Significance: Determining the importance of historical events and their impact.
Context: Understanding events within their broader historical and social frameworks.

Chronological thinking: The ability to sequence events accurately.
Historical comprehension: Understanding the meaning and implications of historical events.
Historical analysis and interpretation: Critically evaluating sources and different perspectives.
Historical research capabilities: The skill to conduct informed research in historical studies.
Awareness of historical issues: Understanding relevant debates and discussions in history.

Develop personal and social identity through understanding the past.
Assist in comprehending contemporary issues by providing historical context.
Correct misconceptions and learn lessons from historical experiences.
Gain insights into various aspects of human behavior, both positive and negative.
Broaden cultural understanding, tolerance, and open-mindedness.
Provide context for other academic disciplines.
Serve as a source of enjoyment in exploring narratives of the past.
Train necessary critical thinking skills essential for analysis.