ABSTRACT
Speculation means coming to a conclusion without sufficient evidence. But speculation can often be a helpful tool when deepening our understanding of the context or background of events or individuals. When does a historian have the right to speculate about the past without any direct evidence? Should historians speculate about the future, or about imaginary outcomes if historical events had turned out differently than they did? Most historians will refuse to do this. Some will speculate, often with imaginative and creative results. In general, however, you should avoid speculation, since your instructor is unlikely to share your creative impulses about the truth. If you must speculate, say clearly that you are doing so.
