苏辙对司马迁的史学批评

The Criticism of Sima Qian's Historiography by Su Zhe

对于司马迁的史学批评是苏辙《古史》中的重要内容。苏辙对司马迁的史学批评主要集中在史料采撰、人物品鉴以及史事评析上。苏辙认为,司马迁"为人浅近而不学,疏略而轻信",在史书采撰上,有所缺乏,轻信异说,以至于史事叙述不得圣贤之遗意;在品评历史人物上,不尊名教,忽视伦理,有失恰当;在史事评析上,囿于表象,未能勘破胜败之义。从这些史学批评中,可探知苏辙崇名教、尚礼义、重时势的史学思想,以及北宋崇经重史、好议论、重忧患的学术风气。

As one of the most famous historians in history,Sima Qian and his works have had a great influence.Later historians were keen on Sima Qian for the academic research and historical criticism,Su Zhe and his historical criticism are just a single example. The historical criticism of Su Zhe mainly focused on history writing,the analysis of historical events and character's judgement. Su Zhe think that Sima Qian is ignoramus,neglect and credulity. On the history writing,he is credulous on heretical views and lose sight of much valuable things so as to misunderstanding theories of the sage; On the character's judgement,he doesn't respect the Confucianism and ignore the feudal ethics; On the analysis of historical events,because of the limited representation,he was failed to untangle the fundamental reason of victory or defeat. From the historical criticism,we can know that Su Zhe attach great importance to Confucianism,feudal ethics and situation. Likewise,we can know the academic atmosphere of the Northern Song Dynasty which is laying emphasis on Confucianism and historical works,argument and suffering consciousness.