Аннотация: Today, Ranke's historiographic method is relevant
The Rankean paradigm, named after the German historian Leopold von Ranke (1795-1886), represents a foundational approach to historical scholarship that dominated 19th-century historiography. Often regarded as the father of modern historical science, Ranke emphasized a rigorous, evidence-based methodology centered on objectivity and the use of primary sources to reconstruct the past "as it actually happened" (wie es eigentlich gewesen) (Iggers, 2011, p. 23). This paradigm prioritized political history, focusing on the actions of states, leaders, and diplomatic events as the primary drivers of historical change.
Keywords: Rankean paradigm, Leopold von Ranke, historiography, objectivity, primary sources, political history, historical methodology
At its core, the Rankean paradigm advocated for historical objectivity, urging historians to set aside personal biases and interpret the past through meticulous analysis of archival documents, such as government records and official correspondence (Ranke, 1824, p. 6). Ranke believed that by grounding historical narratives in primary sources, historians could achieve a factual and impartial account of events. This approach contrasted with earlier speculative or philosophical histories, which often prioritized narrative over evidence (Iggers, 2011, p. 25).
The paradigm"s focus on political history reflected Ranke"s view that the state was the central actor in historical development, with wars, treaties, and leadership decisions shaping the course of nations (Ranke, 1824, p. 8). This state-centric perspective often marginalized social, cultural, or economic factors, which later historians, such as Karl Lamprecht, would challenge (Iggers, 2011, p. 27). The Rankean methodology also emphasized narrative coherence, presenting history as a chronological sequence of significant events driven by elite actors.
The Rankean paradigm profoundly influenced historical methodology, establishing standards for critical source analysis and professional training that remain integral to the discipline (Evans, 1997, p. 15). However, its limitations, particularly its narrow focus on political history and its ideal of absolute objectivity, sparked debates in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as historians sought to incorporate broader social and cultural perspectives (Evans, 1997, p. 17). Despite these critiques, the Rankean paradigm laid the groundwork for modern historiography, shaping the discipline"s commitment to empirical rigor and source-based scholarship.
References
Evans, R. J. (1997). In defence of history. Granta Books.
Iggers, G. G. (2011). Historiography in the twentieth century: From scientific objectivity to the postmodern challenge. Wesleyan University Press.
Ranke, L. von. (1824). Geschichte der romanischen und germanischen Völker von 1494 bis 1514. Duncker & Humblot.