“欧洲观念”探源

Tackling the Origin of Idea of Europe

我在研究欧洲历史、特别是关于"欧洲统一"的历史的时候,总时时留意"欧洲观念"(1dea of Europe)在历史上不同时期的内涵。今天的西欧学者往往径直把"欧洲观念"解释为"欧洲统一"的观念,这虽无不可,但需作些历史的考究,因为这个词的含义是有变化的。要之,有三个问题可以探讨:欧洲的基督教文明;"欧洲观念"的政治化;理念中的和现实中的"欧洲统一"问题。欧洲和基督教文明在很久远的时期——譬如荷马史诗时代——欧洲只存在于神话中。那时的欧洲大体指的是地中海东端的克里特一带。

While studying European history especially, history of 'Europe Unity', the author fries to tackle the implication of 'Idea of Europe' reflected at different historical periods. He thinks that it is nothing wrong for contemporary academics to term 'Idea of Europe' as idea of 'Europe Unity', but further study on its history is needed as the implication of this term has undergone some change. Following are the three problems the author discusses in this article: Europe and civilization of Christianity, politicization of 'Idea of Europe' and 'Europe Unity' in theory as well as in practice.