That Noble Dream: The 'Objectivity Question' and the American Historical Profession : Book Review

Peter Novick's "That Noble Dream: The 'Objectivity Question' and the American Historical Profession" provides an extensive and thought-provoking exploration of objectivity in the field of history. Through meticulous research and analysis, Novick investigates the historical, social, and philosophical factors that have influenced the American historical profession and its understanding of objectivity.

Novick traces the origins of the belief in historical objectivity to the Enlightenment era, and explores how it intersected with the intellectual traditions of the United States. He critically examines the influence of European historical methodologies and the rise of positivism in shaping the American approach to objectivity.

One of the central arguments in the book is that historical truth is inherently subjective, as it is influenced by the biases, perspectives, and cultural backgrounds of historians. Novick challenges the notion of objective historical truth, suggesting that objectivity should be understood as an ongoing process of recognizing and critically examining one's own biases, while constantly adjusting historical perspectives.

Furthermore, Novick examines the impact of social and political factors on historical writing. He explores how changing social climates and political ideologies have influenced the interpretation and presentation of historical events. Novick provides insightful discussions on the influence of race, gender, and nationalism on historical narratives.

In conclusion, "That Noble Dream" is a highly informative and thought-provoking book that calls into question traditional notions of historical objectivity. Novick's meticulous research sheds light on the complex factors that have shaped the American historical profession and its understanding of objectivity. This book is an essential read for anyone interested in the philosophy and practice of history. It challenges readers to critically examine their assumptions about objectivity and invites them to consider the subjective nature of historical truth.

What are readers saying?

The book "That Noble Dream: The Objectivity Question and the American Historical Profession" by Peter Novick elicits a range of opinions. Some readers applaud Novick's comprehensive exploration of objectivity in historical writing. They admire his meticulous research and analysis, deeming the book a valuable source of insight into the historical profession. These readers find Novick's arguments thought-provoking and appreciate his examination of the challenges historians encounter in pursuing objectivity. Furthermore, they commend his scrutiny of the influence exerted by broader social and political contexts on historical interpretations.

However, there are also readers who find Novick's book excessively dense and challenging to navigate. They contend that his academic writing style makes it arduous to comprehend and follow his arguments effectively. Some readers find the book overly theoretical, lacking practical examples or clear conclusions. In their eyes, the book reads more like a scholarly analysis aimed at a specialized audience rather than crafting a compelling narrative for a wider readership.

Another point of contention relates to the book's historical scope. While some readers appreciate Novick's focus on the American historical profession for its detailed understanding of the challenges encountered by American historians, others criticize its narrow gaze. They argue that the book overlooks the broader international context of historical writing and objectivity, rendering it incomplete.

Additionally, certain readers express concerns about Novick's portrayal of specific historical figures and movements. They believe that his depiction presents a biased view that disregards the contributions and perspectives of marginalized groups. These readers contend that Novick's analysis lacks inclusivity and fails to acknowledge alternative narratives in historical writing.

In summary, opinions on "That Noble Dream" by Peter Novick vary. While some readers appreciate the exhaustive nature of the book and its thought-provoking arguments on objectivity in historical writing, others find it excessively dense and lacking practical examples. There is praise for the book's focus on the American historical profession, accompanied by criticism for its limited scope. Furthermore, concerns have been raised regarding the portrayal of certain historical figures and movements, which some readers perceive as biased and exclusionary.

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