Can Science Explain History?

Britain's Olympic success was the result of marrying science with sporting methodology. Can the same techniques be applied to history?

Paul Lay | Published in 13 Aug 2012

History man: William Hague shakes hands with Afghan elders during his visit to Helmand province, May 2010. AP Photo/Abdul Khaleq The success of the London Olympics was a welcome fillip in a world marked by crisis. Its opening ceremony – a motley but enjoyable romp of two parts myth, one part history, described by one wag as ‘E.P. Thompson on acid’ – contrasted well with the monomaniacal pursuit of medals, at which the host nation excelled, to the seeming surprise of many.

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