Improve the theoretical character of the history discipline
September 20, 2024 11:15 Source: "China Social Sciences Journal" Issue 2980, September 20, 2024 Author: Reporter Zhang Qingli Correspondent Jia Kunpeng

September 14,The "Academic Seminar on the Development Direction and Trend of Historical Theory" was held in Kaifeng, Henan。Participating scholars took the pulse of the current status of contemporary historical theoretical research,Focus on how to improve the theoretical character of the history discipline and other issues。

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Zhao Shiyu, professor of the Department of History at Peking University, believes,“Since the 21st century,The international academic community seems to have entered a period of theoretical silence”。As far as history is concerned,Over-reliance on specific empirical research and indifference to theory,Limits the depth and comprehensiveness of academic research。Although theoretical research usually stems from the discussion of specific problems,But the deepening of theory is indispensable。

Zhao Shiyu’s views resonated with many participating scholars。It’s worth noting,In recent years,Social history research has made great progress,Thanks largely to the emphasis on theoretical thinking。Proposed by Zhang Yue, Professor of the School bet365 of History at Beijing Normal University,Historical theory should not be regarded as an unattainable grand narrative,We should realize that every field and period in historical research contains theoretical thinking and system construction。The development of the historical discipline does not only rely on the study of specific historical events,It is also necessary to establish a macro theoretical framework。

Hou Jianxin, a professor at the Institute of European Civilizations at Tianjin Normal University, also expressed concerns about the current development of historical theory in recent years。He thinks,The fragmentation of historical topic selection is a common dilemma faced by a generation of scholars。If you only focus on small issues and lack a macro perspective,It will inevitably make the research lose its overall value。Professor Guo Zhendan, Institute of Advanced Confucian Studies, Shandong University said,The “retirement of grand narratives” is a prominent change in the field of history,However, in this process, Chinese historians are limited to questioning specific historical concepts,Lack of reflection on the grand narrative itself。He called on Chinese historians to improve their theoretical level,Keeping abreast of theoretical changes。

Historical theory and bet365 betting tips historical research are also in a slightly awkward position in the history discipline system。Professor Wang Shuchu of the School of History and Culture of Henan Normal University,The study of historiography compared to the politics of chronological history、Economy、Culture and other fields,Looks lighter,Even marginalized。Professor Li Zhenhong of the School of History and Culture of Henan University thinks,The team of historical theoretical research lacks the intervention of professional historical researchers。To this,Zhang Yue’s suggestion,Historical theory and historiography should break the closed state,Enhance interdisciplinary communication。

 Historical theoretical thinking needs to be combined with historical reality

Summarizing the current situation of lack of autonomy and consciousness in historical theory in recent decades,Proposed by Li Zhenhong,Translation and introduction of Western historical theories should not be used to replace historical theoretical research;Historical theoretical research should assume the responsibility of interpreting China’s historical development path。

Participating scholars shared historical theoretical issues involved in their respective research fields。Professor Shen Changyun of the School of History and Culture of Hebei Normal University thinks,There are obvious differences between the feudal social structure of the West bet365 slot gamesng and that of China。While studying the theory of social formation,Needs to be combined with China’s actual situation,Avoid directly applying Western theories to the interpretation of Chinese history。

In the study of Song Dynasty,There is also the problem of misuse of historical theory。Zhejiang University Professor Li Huarui said,Many changes in the evaluation of Song history in the 20th century were mostly influenced by Western theories。But the theories of Western scholars may not be applicable to China’s specific historical situation,For example, data on economic development and technological innovation in the Song Dynasty,Not fully discussed and tested。Zhang Yue also emphasized,Constructing a theoretical framework requires considering the complexity of history,Instead of simply applying a patterned explanation。

Extreme historicism is also a misunderstanding that we need to be wary of。Proposed by Zhou Jiming, Professor of School of History and Culture, Hubei University,Historicism is a historical philosophy that emphasizes returning to specific historical scenes to understand the internal logic and rationality of historical events。

 Adhere to the value foundation of history

Since the second half of the 20th century,Many trends of thought have emerged in global history。Guo Zhendan thinks,“The rise of postmodern historiography,bet365 online games Promoted many turns in Western historiography,For example, New Cultural History、Women’s History、Gender history, etc.。There are profound theoretical motivations behind these historical practices,Rooted in the deconstruction and reflection of historical concepts”。When Chinese historical research absorbs Western historical theories,There is often a lack of full understanding of the progress of historical theory in the late 20th century。

Sun Weiguo, a professor at the School of History at Nankai University, discussed the issues of “what is history” and “what is historiography”。He thinks,The linguistic and narrative turn in postmodern historiography gradually weakens the objectivity of history,But the attributes of historiography are enhanced。Although postmodernist historiography questions the authenticity of history,But it puts forward the view that "all history is the history of historiography",Provides new perspectives and ideas for understanding history。

On the one hand, postmodern history has inspired theoretical innovation and widespread responses,On the other hand, the negative impact has also attracted the attention of historians。Proposed by Hou Jianxin,The deconstructive thinking of postmodernism makes people doubt the authenticity of history,Weakened the bet365 online casino app value foundation of historical research。

Talking about the relationship between history and reality,Professor Liu Kehui of the School of History and Culture of Henan University raised the issue of historical epistemology。He emphasized,Only observing reality,In order to truly understand history、Understand the production process of historical materials。

Li Zhenhong thinks,The areas that historical theory needs to focus on include historical epistemology,For example, the generation mechanism of historical understanding、The problem of historical objectivity、Historical value theory issues and cognitive testing issues;Ontological issues,Especially the study of Chinese historical ontology,Such as "Chinese Historical Philosophy";Theoretical understanding of Marxist historical materialism,Still to be further deepened and enriched。

Editor: Zhang Jing
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