章太炎学问的境界与限度

The Realm and Limit of Zhang Taiyans Learning

近代学术史上,章太炎的学问广博艰深,门下弟子成名者甚多,其地位鲜有能出其右者。但是论到具体的方面和程度,却几乎都已经被超越。古文经学不及刘师培,音韵训诂被黄侃突过,佛学则并非所长。诸子学虽然精进,却不宜用佛学、哲学的观念解读。医学尤其是纸上谈兵。受鲁迅评价的影响,章太炎研究长期头重脚轻,清季革命浓墨重彩,民国时期以后则认为拉车向后。其实章太炎回到中国的观念看中国的学术政治,民国时期论政立意未必不好,学问更是大为纯熟,应当深入研究,以求前后平衡。

In the modern academic history,Zhang Taiyan was believed to be the top scholar due to his extensive and profound learning and many of his disciples also made their mark in the academic circle. However,in terms of specific aspects and levels,Zhang had almost been beaten by others in various fields. His study of ancient Chinese classics was not as good as Liu Shipeis,and the phonology and exegesis were surpassed by Huang Kan,while Buddhism was not his strong point. Although he was good at philosophical schools theories,they could not be interpreted with the concept of Buddhist philosophy. As far as medicine was concerned,he could do no more than empty talk. Influenced by Lu Xuns evaluation,Zhangs research had long been in an imbalanced manner. He did well during the revolution in the Qing Dynasty,but after the Republic of China,his research pulled a cart backward. As a matter of fact,Zhangs idea of returning to Chinas academic politics might not be bad,and his potential of political discussion was much more proficient in the Republic of China,which should be studied in depth to achieve a balance.