历史分析法在史学史研究中的运用

The Application of the Method of Historical Analysis in the History of Historiography

历史分析法是史学史研究者应予高度重视的基本研究方法。它主要有两义:一是以上下贯通的眼光,动态考察中国历史编纂学不同时期的命题、成就、体裁体例的运用等内容,将之放在全局之中上下联系起来分析;二是应坚持历史主义的态度,在一定的历史范围之内诠释和评判问题,对前代史家应有"瞭解的同情"。在探讨中尤其应当关注以下四项:一、透视不同时期史学的特点;二、以动态眼光考察纪传体和编年体的发展演变;三、区分纪事本末法与纪事本末体,指明其实际意义;四、推进对历史编纂学史上若干重要现象的认识。

The method of historical analysis is one of the fundamental methods to which historiographers should pay high attention.The method mainly consists of two sides.One is that while examining the themes,accomplishments,change of style and format in historical writings of different historical periods,it adopts a comprehensive approach that shows how the parts were connected and integrated in the whole.The other is to apply the historicist attitude in interpreting and evaluating historiographical issues in their apposite context,displaying a"sympathetic understanding"of the historians of previous ages.In addition,the author argues that special attention be paid to the following aspects in studying historiography:(1)noting the distinct characteristics of the historiography in a particular period;(2)developing a dynamic understanding of the stylistic changes in historiography,such as the transition from annals-biography to chronicle;(3)distinguishing the method and style of narrating a story from beginning to end and appreciating the differences between the two;and(4)acquiring a good knowledge of key developments in the history of historiography.