That Noble Dream: Analysis of the “Objectivity” Question of the Historiography of Ranke

Abstract

In the 19th century, the German historian Leopold von Ranke integrated scientific methods and attitudes into history and put forward the historical theory of “objectivism” , which made history free from the shackles of traditional religion and political propaganda and became an independent discipline. However, questioned by later scholars, Ranke’s opinion has been described as a “noble dream” given that the absolute “objectivity” can hardly be achieved in history. In fact, Ranke’s quest for history goes far beyond simply and objectively describing the superficial facts, but rather seeks to find some connections and spirits behind the facts of history. This quest goes beyond “pure facts” per se, but it must be based on objective truth.