唐宋经世史学之新高度

“Undertaking Thorough Studies to Meet Present Needs”and the Development of Chinese Historiography

经世致用是中国史学最悠久的优良传统。“立时代之潮头,通古今之变化,发思想之先声”,是历代史家念兹在兹的立身、立学之本,是中国史学不断成长、持续繁荣的源泉和动力。经世致用饱含着史学家“为天地立心,为生民立命”的情怀,体现着史学家“为往圣继绝学,为万世开太平”的追求。还原历史和经世致用,构成史学的两个基本功能,它们相辅相成,互为表里。没有客观历史,即没有观照当下的基础;缺失经世致用,即失去史学存在的价值。经世致用发轫于中国史学出现之初,滥觞于中国史学形成之始,与中国史学发展相伴相随。把经世致用置于中国史学成长的视域中加以考察,有助于我们对新时代中国史学的使命、责任、担当有更深刻的认识。为此,编辑部邀约五位学者,就此展开讨论,以飨读者。

The principle of“undertaking thorough studies to meet present needs”is a time-honored tradition of Chinese historiography.Successive generations of historians have been continually mindful of“staying ahead of the tide of the times,comprehending changes from the past to the present,and developing new thought.rst and foremost”as the basis of their self-cultivation and studies.This is the source of,and driving force behind,the uninterrupted development and continuous prosperity of Chinese historiography.This principle embodies historians’mission to“ordain conscience for Heaven and Earth,and to secure life and fortune for the people,”as well as their pursuit to“continue the lost teachings of past sages,and to establish peace for all future generations”.The mutually complementary principles of“restoring the original picture of history”and“undertaking thorough studies to meet present needs”constitute the two basic functions of historiography.Without objective historical records,we would lack a foundation for caring about the present;without thorough studies to meet present needs,historiography would lose its existential value.The principle of“undertaking thorough studies to meet present needs”was initiated at the beginning of Chinese historiography and has accompanied it through its development ever since.Viewing the principle in the context of the development promotes a deeper understanding of the mission,responsibility,and undertaking of Chinese historiography in the new era.For this reason,we have invited.ve scholars to advance discussion regarding this question for the benefit of our readers.