Ethics in historical research, calls for code of ethics for historians

The UP Diliman Research Ethics Board (UPDREB) pushed forward its Monthly Ethical Seminar Series (MESS) with the second installment, featuring a session on "Ethics in Historical Research in the Philippines," held on February 13, 2025 at the NSRI Conference Room, Miranda Hall. 

The session was led by Dr. Rhodalyn C. Wani-Obias, the Panel 1 Chair of the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy (CSSP) Ethics Review Board, who dissected the ethical dilemmas historians face in the field. She drew from Philippine research cases, including studies on second-generation American Filipinists, a World War II guerilla fighter, and the 1974 Malisbong Massacre in Sultan Kudarat. From these materials, she emphasized the challenges of obtaining informed consent from oral history sources and handling politically sensitive issues. 

Beyond data collection, history should be handled with care. Dr. Wani-Obias cautioned against irresponsible use and abuse of history, whether through erasing archives, falsifying data, or distorting narratives for political ends.  To address these concerns, she outlined reasons for establishing a formal Code of Ethics for historians. Clear guidelines, she argued, would not only  protect researchers, but safeguard the communities whose histories they document.

This seminar is part of the ongoing efforts of the UPDREB to inform the research community about ethical research in different disciplines.

The recorded session may be viewed at this link.