欧洲文明的现代转型——以转型、大分流与小分流的争论为中心

The Modern Transformation of European Civilization——The Debates on Transformation,Great Divergence and Little Divergence

欧洲文明的形成始于中世纪早期的后半段,大大晚于公元前三四千年以来在欧亚大陆诞生的几个原生文明。然而,欧洲文明却在中世纪中晚期至早期现代最早自主实现了现代转型,赶超了那些古老而辉煌的亚洲文明,其演变过程与原因一直引人关注。西方学者对欧洲文明从中世纪向现代转型的自我认识始于19世纪,并在20世纪晚期和21世纪不断有新的研究成果问世,对于正确认识欧洲文明的现代转型具有重要价值,也是人类追求进步事业的一笔宝贵财富。通过梳理近两个世纪西方学者的相关研究成果,厘清欧洲文明走向现代的关键历程,分析欧洲文明特别是西北欧地区后来居上的主要原因,有助于为包括中国在内的世界各地的后来者选择正确的目标建设自己的现代文明提供历史参照。

European civilization was formed in the second half of the early Middle Ages.much later than the several original civilizations that had emerged in Eurasia since the third or fourth millennium BC.However.in the middle and late Middle Ages to early modern times(16th-18th century),European civilization independently realized the modern transformation.overtaking those ancient and brilliant Asian civilizations.and its evolution process and reasons have always attracted attention.The self-understanding of Western scholars on the transformation of European civilization from the Middle Ages to the modern era began in the 19th century,and new research results were continuously published in the late 20th century and the 2lst century,which is of great value for the correct understanding of the modern transformation of European civilization.and is also a precious treasure for human beings to pursue progress.By combing the relevant research results of western scholars in the past two centuries,this paper aims to clarify the key course of European civilization towards modernity,analyze the main reasons why European civilization,especially Northwest Europe,came to the top,and provide historical reference for the latecomers around the world.including China.to choose the right goal to build their own modern civilization.