In Biblical studies, 'lower criticism' refers to scholarly efforts in reconstructing the original texts of the Bible. Since none of Paul's canonical letters, or the gospels, or any other Biblical documents are known to exist, scholars must study the available copies of subsequent manuscripts and compare the similarities and variances between these documents to hypothesize their reconstructions. The identification of the variances that exist between manuscripts, and from early quotations of now non-existent manuscripts by early Christians, have resulted in the development of lower criticism. Steven McKenzie and John Kaltner write that in determining "the precise wording of the original text," scholars must study "the available manuscripts and other sources, and then evaluat[e] the evidence they contain in an effort to discover what is the oldest, and presumably most authentic, reading....The goal of lower criticism is identification of the text itself, and it does not try to get at the text's meaning or interpretation."1
In a sense, Royal Skousen's critical text project of the Book of Mormon aims to do the same thing, however, his reconstruction focuses upon restoring the original translated text, rather than the language engraved upon the plates from which the Book of Mormon was translated. The value of his efforts can be better appreciated when considering the mortal influences affecting the early documents and texts of the Book of Mormon. Oliver Cowdery primarily wrote the majority of the Book of Mormon while Joseph translated, and he was also involved in making a duplicate copy known as the "Printer's Manuscript" or "PM" in contrast to the "Original Manuscript" or "OM" for E.B. Grandin. Portions of the PM, as well as the OM, went to Grandin's shop for publication. John Gilbert (the typesetter) introduced punctuation into the manuscripts that he received which also made their appearance into the first edition of the Book of Mormon. Joseph Smith subsequently made changes that went into the 1837 edition of the Book of Mormon. Between scribal errors and printing errors, etc., a number of unintentional textual variances and divergences were imposed upon the text. Skousen's work seeks to bring us the original text of the Book of Mormon.
In a sense, Royal Skousen's critical text project of the Book of Mormon aims to do the same thing, however, his reconstruction focuses upon restoring the original translated text, rather than the language engraved upon the plates from which the Book of Mormon was translated. The value of his efforts can be better appreciated when considering the mortal influences affecting the early documents and texts of the Book of Mormon. Oliver Cowdery primarily wrote the majority of the Book of Mormon while Joseph translated, and he was also involved in making a duplicate copy known as the "Printer's Manuscript" or "PM" in contrast to the "Original Manuscript" or "OM" for E.B. Grandin. Portions of the PM, as well as the OM, went to Grandin's shop for publication. John Gilbert (the typesetter) introduced punctuation into the manuscripts that he received which also made their appearance into the first edition of the Book of Mormon. Joseph Smith subsequently made changes that went into the 1837 edition of the Book of Mormon. Between scribal errors and printing errors, etc., a number of unintentional textual variances and divergences were imposed upon the text. Skousen's work seeks to bring us the original text of the Book of Mormon.
See this three-part lecture from Skousen on this massive undertaking:
http://maxwellinstitute.byu.edu/watch-skousens-3-part-lecture-series-on-the-book-of-mormon-critical-text-project/
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1 Steven L. McKenzie and John Kaltner, The Old Testament, Its Background, Growth, and Content (Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 2007) 47
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