一种关于世界史观念的历史考察

世界史观念有怎样的来历?在对思想史材料作历时性梳理的基础上,进行理论性概括和分析,结果发现,近代以来,世界史观念经历了三个主要发展阶段。第一阶段到20世纪以前,这个时期的世界史观念是一元的、进步的和乐观主义的,思辨多于分析,并通常带有目的论指向,可称为"哥德巴赫式猜想"式的。第二阶段是20世纪上半叶,一是分析性的批判,二是思辨性的重建,实质是对普遍史观念所作的反思,可称为"哥白尼式革命"式的。20世纪下半叶以降为第三阶段,表现为全球史观,可称为"哥伦布式交流"式的。这三个发展阶段一方面表现了学术研究的进步,另一方面也反映出理论张力的逐步减弱。

A Historical Examination of World History Concept

What is the appearance of the past history of the world history conception? My historical survey and the relevant theoretical analysis shows that the world history conception in modern times has witnessed three chief stages.The first stage is the period before the 20th century when the conception is unitary and progressive and optimistic,and there is more speculation than analysis,generally oriented with teleological purposes.This can be called "the Goldbach style".The second stage is the first half of the 20th century,which is characterized with analytical criticism and speculative reconstruction,the essence of which is a reflection of the past views and can be called "the Copernican Revolution style".The third stage that is ever since the second half of the 20th century;it is a global history view,or "the Columbus Communication style".The three stages indicate a progress in academic research as well as a gradual decrease in theoretical tension.