历史研究的若干基本问题

历史研究有“经世致用”、“智识兴趣”、“人类自我认识”这三类基本目的，它们又各自导致种种优劣有别的不同史学。历史研究的基本目的决定了宏观思考至关重要，因为这意味着史事探究达到在总体上的统一性和揭示历史的深层含义，与此相关，理论对于具体的历史研究有优越的启示、梳理和升华功能，并且对于历史经验和教益能起到特别有力的推广作用。历史思索和论说的理论化包括(1)现成理论的连贯的运用，(2)理论性的创造式宏．观思考。成熟和高超的理论化是隐含的而非明示的，有机的而非教条的，倚重经典方法而非滥用社会科学。历史研究的基本目的，特别是经世致用，使当代史研究具有非常重大的意义。

Several Essential Matters of Historical Studies

Historical studies have three kinds of essential purposes:practical utility,intellectual interest or pleasure,and self-identifying or cognition of the collective human beings,all of them lead to their respective historiography of both superior and inferior types. These essential purposes give vital importance to the historical macro-thinking,which is indispensable for a holistic exploration of myriad past phenomena and for revealing the deeply embedded meanings of history.In this connection,theorization has its superior functions for empirical research of revelation,intellectually order-making,and sublimation,as well as its particularly powerful role in popularizing the lessons resulting from the study of the past.Theorization in historical speculation and discourse primarily consists in(1)coherent application of a given theory,and(2)creative macro-thinking in a theoretical nature.Mature and master theorization is in general implied,organic,and relying on the classical approach,rather than explicit,dogmatic,and lavishing on the scientific one.The essential purposes of historical studies,especially the one of practical utility,make the study of contemporary history greatly significant.