In historical studies, what is the purpose of using biographies as a resource?

The purpose of using biographies as a resource in historical studies is primarily to understand individual perspectives. Biographies delve into the lives, experiences, and thoughts of specific individuals, allowing readers to gain insight into how personal backgrounds, beliefs, and contexts influence actions and decisions. This individual perspective is crucial for comprehending historical events on a deeper level, as it highlights the unique contributions of individuals to broader historical narratives.

While summarizing events concisely can be beneficial, biographies focus much more on the intricate details of a person's life rather than merely providing an overview of events. Scientific insights are typically derived from empirical research and experimentation, which is not the focus of biographical studies. Comparing different cultures often involves analyzing broader societal norms and practices rather than the individual life stories that biographies emphasize. Therefore, the main value of biographies in historical studies is the rich, nuanced understanding they provide of individual experiences and viewpoints within the larger historical context.