How do speculative and critical philosophy of history differ?

In the study of the philosophy of history, scholars distinguish between two primary types of inquiry based on their subject matter and objectives:

Speculative Philosophy of History

Often referred to as the traditional or classical approach, this is a first-order inquiry. Its subject matter is the historical process as a whole. The primary aim is to provide an overall elucidation or explanation of the course, direction, and meaning of human history. Historically, this has ranged from theological interpretations—such as those viewing history as a manifestation of divine providence—to secular attempts to identify universal laws of human development analogous to those in the physical sciences.123

Critical Philosophy of History

Generally known as analytical philosophy of history, this is a second-order inquiry that rose to prominence in the 20th century. Rather than focusing on the sequence of past events themselves, it examines the procedures, categories, and logic used by historians to comprehend their material. It investigates the nature of historical explanation, the validity of historical knowledge, and whether history requires distinct methods compared to the natural sciences.14