What is the term for the idea that "the present is the key to the past"?

The concept that "the present is the key to the past" is encapsulated in the term uniformitarianism. This principle suggests that the processes observed in the present, such as geological and climatic changes, have been consistent over time and can therefore be used to interpret past events. By understanding current natural processes, scientists can infer the conditions and events that shaped the Earth in its history. Uniformitarianism stands in contrast to other ideas like catastrophism, which emphasizes sudden, short-lived, and intense events as primary drivers of geological change. This foundational principle is crucial in fields like geology and paleontology, guiding researchers in their examination of Earth's history and the development of life.