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Why is history open to ongoing and changing interpretations?

User Enessa
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Final answer:

History allows for ongoing and changing interpretations due to its subjective nature; as evidence and societal values evolve, so do interpretations. Historical empathy is crucial in understanding the past without modern biases. Areas like LGBTQ+ and Indigenous studies continue to refine our historical understanding.

Step-by-step explanation:

History is open to ongoing and changing interpretations because it is a subjective field which reflects not only the past but also the perspectives and the times in which historians write their narratives. The evidence from the past is vast and sometimes contradictory, requiring historians to make choices about what to include and how to interpret it. Interpretation plays a central role in the study of history, and changes in interpretation allow us to get a clearer picture of those who lived before us. Historical empathy is essential for understanding the past without imposing modern-day biases and judgments. As time progresses, new sources are discovered and societal values evolve, interpretations change, reflecting our growing understanding of the full complexity of history. Aspects such as LGBTQ+ studies, Indigenous studies, and the history of the Global South enhance our knowledge and refine our picture of the past.

User Quackingduck
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The main reason why history is open to ongoing and changing interpretations is because new facts are always being discovered about the past, which allows people to change their opinions regarding how things happened throughout history. 
User James Conigliaro
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