Final answer:
Herodotus is known as 'the father of history' in Western civilization, with his work 'Histories' being considered the first real history due to its critical approach and factual inquiry into the events of the Greco-Persian wars.
Step-by-step explanation:
Herodotus is often referred to as 'the father of history' in Western civilization due to his extensive work on documenting the events of the Greco-Persian wars in his seminal piece, the Histories. His approach to history was pioneering for its time; he traveled extensively, gathering stories and conducting inquiries to compile a narrative that explained human actions through the political and social pressures of the period. Rather than just relying on oral accounts and myth, Herodotus applied a critical eye to his sources, aiming for a reporting style akin to what modern historians practice. This is why Herodotus wrote what is considered the first real history in Western civilization, making option (d) the correct answer.
During the Golden Age of Greece, Herodotus, alongside Thucydides, was instrumental in evolving the study of history. They sought to explain the causes and effects of human actions in a rational manner, using evidence and a critical approach. This method of historical investigation laid the groundwork for historical study as we understand it today.