黄仁宇与王夫之史学思想之比较

A Comparison of Huang Renyu and Wang Fuzhi’s Historical Thoughts

黄仁宇与王夫之虽然年代悬殊、教育迥别、遭际不同,但在史学思想上颇有相通之处。二人均强调历史的连续性、大视域与逻辑性,注重历史的结构性变迁和长期发展趋势,重视历史的制度结构和地理基础,强调历史的借鉴价值与现代反思,兼具世界眼光与中国情怀。只是黄仁宇受科学思潮和欧风美雨的熏染,对中国历史传统多持批判态度,技术主义色彩更为强烈,且有着地理决定论的倾向,意在审视中国落后的根源和症结,以实现中国社会的现代转型。王夫之则更重视传统文化的历史嬗变与自我更新,对历史传统既有求真辨伪的精神和理性批判的态度,也有同情之理解,其理性精神、主体意识、道德情感、社会责任兼备,旨在兴灭继绝、救亡图存,实现民族文化和民族政权的复兴。从某种程度而言,十七世纪的王夫之与二十世纪的黄仁宇,是中国史学乃至社会走向现代征程中的一个缩影。

Although Huang Renyu and Wang Fuzhi are different in age,education and experience,they have a lot in common in historiography.Both of them emphasize the continuity,large vision and logic of history,pay attention to the structural changes and long-term development trend of history,pay attention to the institutional structure and geographical basis of history,emphasize the reference value of history and modern reflection,and have both world vision and Chinese feelings.However,influenced by the scientific trend of thought and the European style,Huang Renyu held a critical attitude towards the Chinese historical tradition.His technicalism was more intense,and he had a tendency of geographical determinism.He intended to examine the root causes and crux of China’s backwardness,so as to realize the modern transformation of Chinese society.Wang Fuzhi pays more attention to the historical evolution and self-renewal of traditional culture.He not only has the spirit of seeking truth and distinguishing falsehood,but also has the understanding of sym-pathy.He often has the spirit of rationality,subjective consciousness,moral emotion and social responsibility,aiming at the revival of national culture and national power.To some extent,Wang Fuzhi in the 17th century and Huang Renyu in the 20th century are the epitome of the modern journey of Chinese history and society.