Historiosophy

History's philosophical questions What is the proper unit for the study of the human past — the individual? The polis? The civilization? The culture? Or the species? Are there broad patterns and progress? Are there cycles? Is human history random and devoid of any meaning? If there is progress, what is its ultimate direction? Is it positive or negative?

Main article: Historiosophy

Philosophy of history is an area of philosophy concerning the eventual significance, if any, of human history. Furthermore, it speculates as to a possible teleological end to its development—that is, it asks if there is a design, purpose, directive principle, or finality in the processes of human history. Philosophy of history should not be confused with historiography, which is the study of history as an academic discipline, and thus concerns its methods and practices, and its development as a discipline over time. Nor should philosophy of history be confused with the history of philosophy, which is the study of the development of philosophical ideas through time.

Professional historians debate the question of whether history is a science or a liberal art. The distinction is artificial, as many view the field from more than one perspective.^[13] Recent argument in support for the transformation of history into science have been made by Peter Turchin in an article titled "Arise Cliodynamics" in the journal "Nature"

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