History

History is the systematic study of the human past.

As an academic discipline, it involves collecting and analyzing evidence to build narratives. These narratives do more than list events. They explain why things happened and the contexts surrounding them. Historians look for causal mechanisms, which are the causes that lead to specific results. They also examine human motives to understand why people acted as they did. While some see history as a social science, others view it as part of the humanities. Many experts consider it a hybrid discipline that combines both approaches.

To understand the past, historians use a specific set of techniques called the historical method. This process ensures that their research is accurate and reliable. It often begins with a research question. This question might ask for a simple description of an event. Other questions might try to prove or disprove a specific theory. Historians must follow strict standards to avoid pseudohistory. Pseudohistory is the practice of using disputed evidence or ignoring real facts to promote biased views. This is often done to serve an ideological agenda rather than to find the truth.

Research relies on two main types of evidence: primary and secondary sources.

A primary source is an item created during the period being studied. Examples include official documents, diaries, letters, and photographs. They can even include physical remains like fossils or artifacts found through archaeology. A secondary source is a text that analyzes or interprets those primary sources. For instance, a book written about slavery is a secondary source. However, that same book could be a primary source for studying a historian's opinions. Historians find these materials in archives, libraries, and museums.

Historians must also practice source criticism to ensure their evidence is valid. This involves two main steps: external and internal criticism.

External criticism checks the authenticity of a source. It asks when and where a source was made. It also seeks to identify the author and check for forgeries. Internal criticism looks at the actual content of the source. It clarifies the meaning of terms and checks for accuracy. Historians ask if the author was biased or if they omitted important details. They often cross-reference information with other credible sources to build a coherent narrative.

The field of history is divided into many specialized branches. Some historians focus on specific time periods, such as ancient history. Others focus on geographic regions, like the history of Africa.

Some branches are thematic. These include political history, military history, social history, and economic history. There are also branches based on research methods. Quantitative history uses mathematical data, while oral history relies on spoken accounts. These different paths allow for a much deeper understanding of the human experience.

History has a long and evolving tradition.

In antiquity, history emerged to replace myths with factual inquiry. Early traditions began in Greece, China, and the Islamic world. The word "history" comes from the Greek term *histōr*, meaning a wise man.

In the 14th century, the term entered Middle English via Old French. At that time, it could mean any story or tale. By the 19th century, the field became a professional discipline. This era established the rigorous methodologies and academic institutions used today.

People debate the ultimate purpose of studying history. Some believe the goal is the pure discovery of truth. This view suggests that seeking truth should be disinterested and free from politics. Others believe history provides practical lessons for the present. By studying the past, people may learn to avoid repeating old mistakes. History can also create social cohesion by giving people a shared identity. It helps preserve cultural heritage across generations. Scholars like E. H. Carr argued that history is a key to understanding the present and shaping the future.