Final answer:
The two main criteria identified by Jean Astruc for the division of sources are the use of the divine name and the style of writing. Critical evaluation of these sources involves examining the type of source, authorship, historical context, and the source's original intent and perspective.
Step-by-step explanation:
The two main criteria for division of sources according to Jean Astruc are (A) the use of the divine name and the style of writing. When evaluating sources, historians and scholars often look at various factors to discern their origins and validity. These factors include the kind of source it is, such as government documents versus personal diaries, which have different purposes and perspectives. For instance, a former president and a comedian would have distinct viewpoints on a political issue. Additionally, the authorship of the source is key; it is important to consider whether the author is merely recording information or was an active participant in the events described. Also vital is the author's reliability and potential agenda. Historical context plays a significant role in understanding a source, specifically how it relates to the events it covers. This context could provide clues to the author's intent and the reasons behind the creation of the document.
To achieve a meticulous review of a source, it is necessary to differentiate between the writer's and the source's perspectives, find the original material, and assess any potential biases. In this regard, primary sources are extremely useful as they often offer extensive context and crucial clues about a writer's motives. However, the evaluation must be thorough and include considerations of the author's background, intent, and the wider context. The perspective of a source must be carefully identified and interpreted, necessitating a close examination of an author's assumptions, evidence, biases, and reasoning.
Moreover, the function of a document as a primary or secondary source may depend on its use. For instance, a biography can serve as a secondary source about its subject while simultaneously being a primary source about the biographer. When gathering information from a source, distinguishing between fact and opinion is essential, and the source's purpose—whether to inform or persuade—should be determined.