Is History A Science?

No, history is not a science. For a theory to be scientific, it must be able to make predictions, that are experimentally testable and repeatable. That is, scientific theories must be falsifiable. I don't think the same can be said of theories (or positions?) in history, and certainly not to the same extent.

This is because, if a repeatable experiment to test a consequence (a prediction) of a new or existing theory, happens to falsify that prediction, then the whole theory must be wrong. For example, in a single stroke, the Michelson- Morely experiment falsified the aether theory of space, and hence falsified almost four centuries of Newtonian celestial mechanics.

Historical theses can be tested, to a lesser extent - perhaps by finding a new primary source, that challenges the existing view of an event - but a new source alone rarely overturns the consensus opinion. After all, the author of the source might have been an eccentric, or out of touch with the affairs of his or her time, or writing a subtle satire. (I'm not an historian, so forgive me if my views are rather naive or simple.) In contrast, scientific theories can be tested repeatedly, without end. Every new experiment is like finding a new primary source.

Finally, it is impossible to refute an historical thesis, on logical grounds, once and for all. To cite an absurd and extreme example, how could anyone prove that the CIA didn't kill JFK?

Because you're speaking in terms of science you should use the word "theory" more carefully.

I don't understand your point. I've given a pretty standard definition of a "scientific theory," and I've used the word "theory" (in this sense) reasonably carefully and consistently. Would you explain your precise objection?

Sorry for taking so long to get back to you. Evidently, I missed some emails over the Christmas-NY period.

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"If you ain't a marine then you ain't *beep*

In the scientific community, the word "theory" means "scientific fact", it means an hypothesis which has been proven true. In science, the word "theory" does not mean "best guess". In the rest of the world, the word "theory" usually means "best guess" or "assumption".

So, for instance when someone uses the phrase "I have a theory that..." they usually mean "I'm guessing that...". A scientist wouldn't say "I have a theory", he would refer to an established theory or fact.

WTF!

http://www.livescience.com/21491-what-is-a-scientific-theory-definition-of-theory.html

What Is a Scientific Theory?

A scientific theory is a specific type of theory used in the scientific method. The term "theory" can mean something different, depending on whom you ask.

"The way that scientists use the word 'theory' is a little different than how it is commonly used in the lay public," said Jaime Tanner, a professor of biology at Marlboro College. "Most people use the word 'theory' to mean an idea or hunch that someone has, but in science the word 'theory' refers to the way that we interpret facts."

Read that very carefully. Then read what you wrote.

No, thanx. I don't need to argue with you or anyone else on this board over trivialities. Do your own homework, buzz off.