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The Historian’s Dilemma
Can the historian engage in politics while maintaining historical integrity? Does it matter?
During political crises, news networks host historians to clarify muddied topics. In recent years, historians have given opinions on protests, January 6th, and Constitution issues. But do such professionals risk historical integrity by commenting on politics?
Is it possible to maintain historical integrity while engaging in politics — or do historians risk principles for the sake of civil rights?
Let’s dig into it.
What is the purpose of history?
History emerged as a professional scholarship in the 19th century. Leading the way was German historian Leopold von Ranke, who used a source-based research approach. Rank embraced a theory he called historicism, which stated history should be understood within its own timeline to establish an accurate depiction of the past. He claimed historians could pursue the purest historical narrative by using critical thought and eliminating their own personalities. According to Ranke, the pursuit of history looked a little like this:
- Historians should eliminate all bias
