Methodological challenges of the research of historical sources of the early modern period

Abstract

The paper discusses the issue of methodological challenges in researching the history of the early modern period, in the field of the historical epoch conception and considerations of different contemporary research positions in the verification of historical sources. In the historical science (which is also a characteristic of other sciences), one method is based on several principles and has a number of types, a number of techniques and processes that contribute to scientific cognition. Researchers of the early modern period of European historiography emphasize that research within this historical discipline is more comprehensive today and take a completely different direction compared to the usual themes of political and dynastic history. It is the epoch marked in history by the confessionalization of the European society, secularized civic politics and the emergence of authoritarian nation states, population growth, the birth of the global economy, and, according to some authors, the “Europeanisation” of the world. The principles of the early modern period research methods are based on the findings of a verified scientific theory and methodology and scientific research experience. Methodological interpretations would not be possible without the inclusion of contemporary scientific research experience. Early modern period sources can contain very heterogeneous material, therefore, mastering different sources and using strict criteria in terms of the interpretation of sources is a key element of the methodology of the historical science.