What criteria is NOT used in textual criticism?

Textual criticism is a discipline that involves analyzing manuscripts and their variants to establish the most accurate text possible. This process relies heavily on several criteria, with external evidence and internal evidence being fundamental aspects. External evidence pertains to the historical and geographical context of manuscript sources, including their age and textual history, while internal evidence examines the content of the texts themselves, including style, vocabulary, and theological consistency.

Contextual analysis is also important in textual criticism, as it involves examining the broader context of the text, including historical and cultural backgrounds that may affect interpretation.

Translation theory, on the other hand, is not typically a criterion used in textual criticism itself. While translation theory deals with how texts are rendered into other languages and the various philosophies underpinning those translations, it does not focus on the evaluation of manuscript variations or the establishment of the original text. This makes it distinct from the core practices of textual criticism, which prioritize manuscript evidence and textual integrity over the translation process.