# Which date are we actually asking for?

**Stable ID:** `ENO-Q-001`  
**Domain:** Method  
**Status:** Methodological Rule

## Bounded answer

The date dimension must be named before a year or range is displayed. Different dimensions may be valid at the same time.

## Cannot conclude

No single year can responsibly stand for the whole literary, manuscript, and reception history of 1 Enoch.

## Working positions

### One date for the whole book

**Type:** Unsupported Overreach  
**Statement:** A single date can summarize the origin of the complete text.  
**Support:** A single date may be convenient for a short label.  
**Limitation:** It erases the composite corpus, translation stages, physical witnesses, and later reception.

### Separate date dimensions

**Type:** Bounded Conclusion  
**Statement:** Composition, translation, physical witness, copying, reception, acquisition, publication, and digitization require separate fields.  
**Support:** The working data model already maintains eight distinct date dimensions.  
**Limitation:** The exact date within any one dimension may still remain approximate or disputed.

### Use only physical dates

**Type:** Plausible Alternative  
**Statement:** Only dates attached to surviving artifacts should appear on a chronology.  
**Support:** Physical dates are materially bounded and less likely to impersonate composition dates.  
**Limitation:** This would hide important translation, reception, and editorial history unless those are shown elsewhere.

## Evidence still needed

- Named review of date terminology and state labels.
- Catalogue or edition exits for every displayed physical date.
- Clear uncertainty and method notes for composition proposals.

> This export preserves a working question map. It is not a vote, truth score, manuscript authentication, or named specialist disposition.