思辨的与经验的研究——艺术史的两种方法

Two approaches to art history studies: basic research and empirical research

作为艺术史叙事的两种方法,"自上而下"的思辨与参照科学方法的经验研究有着不同的起点、路径和目标,体现出"阐释的"科学与"物的科学"的不同特点。"自上而下"是基于一套先验理论,将艺术史放置到既定的理论框架中,通过逻辑思辨和严谨推理来建构概念;而经验研究立足于一系列科学观念和方法论,通过搜集第一手资料,从具体艺术作品和艺术现象出发,归纳和总结出一定规律。两种艺术史方法既有着矛盾冲突,又不可避免地产生交集。因为艺术史方法的多样性和艺术史本身缺乏永久的有效性,在不同的历史阶段,总会有一个占据相对主导地位的艺术史方法会产生更大影响,但是这种主导性的影响并不妨碍其他方法共同发挥作用。总体而言,逻辑推理和理论阐释在当今艺术史发展中仍具有不可忽视的影响力。

Theoretical research and empirical research as two approaches to art history studies are different in their startingpoint, means and goals. Theoretical research is a study directed toward greater knowledge or understanding of the fun-damental aspects of phenomena through logical thinking and reasoning. Empirical research is the research using first-hand evidence. It is a way of gaining knowledge by means of direct and indirect observation or experience. Though oneapproach can be dominant in a certain period, the other approach also can play a part.