In what way are historical sciences distinct from experimental sciences?

Historical sciences are distinct from experimental sciences primarily because they emphasize the interpretation of observational data to understand past events and processes. In fields such as paleontology, geology, and archaeology, scientists often analyze existing evidence, such as fossils, rock layers, and artifacts, to reconstruct historical narratives. This contrasts with experimental sciences, which typically involve controlled experiments to test hypotheses and establish causative relationships.

While experimental sciences focus on manipulating variables in a controlled setting, historical sciences must work with events and data that cannot be recreated or directly manipulated. Thus, drawing conclusions from observational data is a fundamental aspect of historical inquiry, allowing scientists to build a framework of understanding based on the remnants and signatures left by past processes. This reliance on careful observation rather than experimentation makes the approach unique to the historical sciences.