History is a social science, not just a record of facts from "summary" of What is History? by E. H. Carr
E. H. Carr argues that history is not merely a collection of facts but a social science that involves interpretation and analysis. He believes that historical events cannot be understood in isolation, as they are shaped by the social, political, and economic forces of their time. According to Carr, historians must consider the context in which events occurred and the perspectives of those involved in order to gain a deeper understanding of the past. Carr emphasizes the importance of interpretation in historical analysis, as historians must make sense of the vast amount of information available to them. He argues that historians inevitably bring their own biases and perspectives to their work, which can influence the way they interpret events. Carr believes that it is impossible to be completely objective in historical analysis, as every historian is influenced by their own background and experiences. Furthermore, Carr contends that history is not simply a compilation of facts but a narrative that historians construct to make sense of the past. He argues that historians must decide which facts to include in their narratives and how to organize them in order to create a coherent and meaningful account of history. Carr believes that historical narratives are not static but are constantly evolving as new evidence comes to light and as historians reevaluate their interpretations.- E. H. Carr's view of history as a social science emphasizes the importance of interpretation, analysis, and narrative construction in historical analysis. He believes that historians must consider the context in which events occurred and the perspectives of those involved in order to gain a deeper understanding of the past. Carr's perspective challenges the notion of history as a mere recording of facts and highlights the complexity and richness of historical analysis.
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