peruslähteeseen

Peruslähde is a Finnish term that translates to "basic source" or "primary source" in English. It refers to an original document, artifact, or other piece of information that was created at the time under study or by someone with direct personal knowledge of the events or conditions being investigated. Peruslähteet are considered the raw material of historical research and are essential for understanding past events without the filter of later interpretation.

Examples of peruslähteet can include letters, diaries, government records, photographs, interviews, oral histories, and contemporary newspaper articles. The value of a peruslähde lies in its direct connection to the subject matter. However, it is important to critically evaluate peruslähteet, considering the author's perspective, potential biases, and the context in which the source was created. A peruslähde provides a firsthand account, but it does not necessarily offer a complete or objective truth on its own. Historians often compare multiple peruslähteet to build a more comprehensive understanding and to corroborate or challenge information. The term emphasizes the foundational nature of these sources in the research process.