Epistemological Questions: Is History a Science?



The theory that is involved in science and history is not the type where they are set in stone, but rather that which are open to refutation, verification, and modification. All hypotheses are subject to revision in light of this thinking.

The question whether History can be considered akin to science as a legitimate pursuit of knowledge must be addressed in order to truly understand the discipline of history, its methods, flaws, and complexities. This five part blog will focus on the issues surrounding this discussion.

1. History deals with the unique, Science deals with the general

History has changed over time. The way we learn history today and the aspects we focus on differ from those long ago. In its inception history was a form of record-keeping, an annalistic tool used to chronicle one war after another; during the 19th century history was preoccupied with Kings and Kingdoms and the rule of leaders. During these periods history would fit the prescription above, dealing with unique events and peoples. However, with the advent of social history the discipline has changed its focus and purpose. History now "is not really interested in the unique, but what is general in the unique."

Just as in science, the materials they use are unique and original but the focus is not on a specific rock or sample, but on what that specimen can verify or deny in a general scheme. Any viable field of study must balance the importance of the unique with the general, with fact and interpretation.

History, specifically the corollaries of social science and sociology, more so than ever are geared toward discovering the lessons of history, if any are to be found, with an eye bent toward understanding the present in light of the past. The days of dictating one war after another, one barbarian after the next without the insight and purpose of shedding some light on some conceptual scheme or generalization are dwindling.

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