History and Biology

Question 1

Why is biology unique among the sciences?

Answer 1

• Because biology has no laws, only concepts.
• laws are ideas held without exception, biology does not have any ideas like this

Question 2

What is history, what makes it different from mythology?

Answer 2

• history is the study of past events, since the origin of written history
• it is distinct from mythology, as mythology is based on stories with no evidence

Question 3

Why should we study history?

Answer 3

• to learn from the past and avoid the same mistakes
• understand present conditions
• to predict future situations
• record keeping
• foster a sense of identity

Question 4

What are 4 themes of history?

Answer 4

1. contingency vs. predictability
2. change vs. stasis
3. individual vs. society
4. time’s arrow vs. cycles

Question 5

What does the theme of contingency vs. predictability mean in terms of history?

Answer 5

• contingency: one-off events. Unique, non repeatable events
• Predictability: Repeatable events.