What elements does a historian require in order to make a valid historical interpretation about an event?
Both A and B are correct answers. A historian requires a well-defined thesis, supportive evidence and sources (both primary and secondary), and objectivity and critical thinking in order to make a valid historical interpretation about an event.
Elements Required for Historical Interpretation
A well-defined thesis: A historian must start with a clear and specific thesis related to the event they are interpreting. This thesis serves as the foundation for their interpretation and guides their research and analysis.
Supportive evidence and sources: In addition to a thesis, historians need to gather evidence and sources to support their interpretation. This includes both primary sources, which are firsthand accounts or original documents from the time of the event, and secondary sources, which are interpretations by other historians or scholars.
Objectivity and critical thinking: Objectivity is crucial for historians to maintain a balanced perspective and avoid bias in their interpretation. Critical thinking helps historians analyze the evidence, consider different viewpoints, and arrive at a well-rounded interpretation of the event.
By combining a well-defined thesis, supportive evidence and sources, and a mindset of objectivity and critical thinking, historians can make valid historical interpretations that contribute to our understanding of the past.