How did Wilhelm Dilthey argue that human sciences should focus on meaning?

Wilhelm Dilthey argued that the human sciences (Geisteswissenschaften) require a distinct methodological approach from the natural sciences because their subject matter—human activity and history—is fundamentally different from physical reality.123

While the natural sciences aim to explain phenomena through objective, causal laws, Dilthey contended that the human sciences must focus on understanding (Verstehen). He argued that human beings and their historical actions cannot be reduced to impersonal, objective data. Instead, they must be interpreted through the lens of the motivations, intentions, and subjective beliefs of historical actors.23

Dilthey viewed the human mind as something that "objectifies" itself in languages, literatures, actions, and institutions. Consequently, he established the humanities as interpretative sciences, where the goal is to grasp the meaning of these expressions. This process involves a self-conscious interpretation that bridges the gap between different worldviews, recognizing that human experience is historically contingent and can only be understood by examining the broader context of history.13