Books as original sources of data

The first course in my doctoral program began by allowing us a discussion on "What is the significance of identifying books as original sources of data?" My contribution is as follows:

Books are simply the concentrated efforts of authors and editors devoting attention to the development and discussion of one subject. Books will be the original source of data in this writer's particular research as articles and other sources were not developed or known until times more modern; therefore, this technicality already establishes the kind of material one must handle in research.

This writer intends to make Marcus Aurelius’ “Meditations”, the centerpiece of the project. The “book” is simply a piece of ancient literature from which one intends to develop an index of contents as well as extrapolate applicable principles for Christian leaders. "Meditations" itself is the original source of data; therefore, it is crucial that works that were written on the subject be correctly identified. This centerpiece is considered both literature and philosophy so work necessarily begins as a primary source (Turabian 2018, 26). It follows then, that all other works be categorized as secondary or tertiary and in many cases, even quaternary (given the centuries of writing on this obscure little journal).

One challenging yet crucial element that deserves intense watchfulness regards the use of anecdotal reports as writers over the centuries have wrestled with trying to understand the writings of this Roman Emperor. While we might find anecdotes in journals and articles presently, the works of historians are often littered with second-hand reports and experiences never directly observed by those who can verify the accounts (Galvan 2017, 8). As one engages books as primary sources, one must also set a hermeneutic sentinel that serves to identify historical, cultural, even biblical applications, permitting the proper material to pass for deeper consideration and turning away others as non-relevant or at least setting some aside for further investigation.

Turabian presents a tool useful for evaluating sources for relevance and reliability noting the point instructing, “check the bibliography for titles relevant to your topic.” (Turabian 2018, 32-33) The challenge for this writer's subject of interest will be to find recent editions of books pertaining to the core piece. Given the revival of interest in this area of philosophy, psychology, and leadership, one is hopeful he is on the cutting edge. 

____________

Galvan, Jose L., and Melisa C. Galvan. Writing literature reviews: A guide for students of the social and behavioral sciences. Routledge, 2017.

Turabian, Kate L. 2018. A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations, Ninth Edition: Chicago Style for Students and Researchers. Edited by Wayne C. Booth, Gregory G. Colomb, Joseph M. Williams, Joseph Bizup, William T. FitzGerald, and The University of Chicago Press Editorial Staff. Ninth edition. Chicago ; London: University of Chicago Press.