Ten years. Zhou Gucheng's historical thought has been deeply studied by academic circles. It has achieved phased research results. The achievements have greatly deepened people's understanding of Zhou Gucheng's historical thought. But there are also some problems, mainly the lack of overall observation and systematic research on Zhou Gucheng's historical thought.
Keywords: Zhou Gucheng; Historical research; Historical thought
Zhou Gucheng (1898 1996), a native of Yiyang, Hunan, is a famous historian and social activist in modern times. Zhou Gucheng is a rather unique historian, who studies both the history of China and the history of the world. In particular, he wrote two outstanding general history books, A General History of China and A General History of the World, which became a great spectacle in the history circle. The swan song? .
Academic circles have been paying attention to Zhou Gucheng's historical research for a long time, but the understanding and in-depth study of its academic value is after the reform and opening up. 1996 1 1 in October, Zhou Gucheng, a century scholar, passed away, and new trends appeared in the academic circles. Zhou Gucheng research fever? Academic achievements have emerged. But unfortunately, the academic circles have not yet summarized the research results of this decade. The author is not superficial, and intends to sort out this issue in order to attract academic attention and further study.
Zhou Gucheng, right? Talk about the present and the ancient, talk about China and foreign countries? Academic master. His historical thought is profound. But as far as the development and importance of his historical thought are concerned. It can be roughly divided into the following aspects: life system, social history of China, general history of China, general history of the world, staging view of ancient history, anti-Eurocentrism, Indifferent realm theory? 、? Convergence of the spirit of the times? And Chinese and western cultural views. In recent ten years, the academic circles have studied Zhou Gucheng's historical thought in many aspects, but generally speaking, it has not exceeded the above nine aspects.
First, about Zhou Gucheng's "life system"
Life System is a historical and philosophical work written by Zhou Gucheng in his early years. May 4th Movement? During the great revolution. The basic purpose of this book is to clarify? The truth of life? . Opposing all kinds of subjective and arbitrary outlook on life and social theories had a far-reaching impact on Zhou Gucheng's future academic research. He pointed out: this seems to be a framework in my personal academic system, but my later work, if it can be called academic, was actually carried out according to this framework. ?
In recent ten years, academic circles have been interested in the writing purport of life system. Zhang Zhizhe thinks? "Life System" attempts to show such a philosophical view: any thought is not accidental, but comes from real life; Life itself makes people feel something, which leads to a variety of views and opinions. ? Wu Kequan pointed out that the "life system" linked three mental states of knowledge, emotion and meaning with academics, and different mental states were linked with different kinds of academics, which determined that Zhou Gucheng's later academic fields were extensive. Kong believes that the life system runs through the historical research. Life system is the bud of Mr. Zhou's academic thought system, which is in the same strain as the Theory of Historical Gestalt written in 1930' s, Unified Whole and Separate Reflection written in 1960' s and the so-called theory of artistic conception. ? Mo Zhibin spoke highly of the academic value of life system. Although the outlook on life evolved in three circles is not perfect, it is even lacking in some aspects. But this outlook on life can be regarded as a model of integrating ancient and modern, integrating Chinese and western, and reconciling science and outlook on life. ?
Second, about Zhou Gucheng's On the Social History of China
After the failure of the Great Revolution, Zhou Gucheng began his career as a university professor. But he still cares about the future and destiny of the China revolution and takes part in it? Debate on China's Social History? . During this period, he wrote three sociological works, namely, The Structure of China Society, The Changes of China Society, and The Present Situation of China Society, which were later collectively referred to as the Social History of China.
In recent ten years, the revolutionary and academic nature of China's social history has been recognized by academic circles. Jiang Yihua pointed out when analyzing the writing purpose of Social History of China. He tried his best to analyze the social and economic changes in China since modern times and the characteristics of various social classes in China with his own Marxist theory, trying to explain the way to transform the current social situation in China. ? Kong pointed out: The purpose of his writing is very clear, that is, starting from history, to explore the truth of China in history, to reveal the reasons for China's social transformation and to transform reality. ? Zhang Guangwu believes that the social history of China is an important part of historical research, which laid a solid foundation for Zhou's General History of China. Mo Zhibin believes that the greatest feature of China's social history is the use of Marx's historical materialism and class analysis methods, especially the theory of class struggle. He affirmed the academic nature of China's social history. Guided by Marx's historical materialism, he made an extremely comprehensive and profound analysis of the social structure of China, the present situation of China and the changes of modern society, and drew a convincing conclusion. ? It should be pointed out that Zhou Gucheng himself does not deny some shortcomings in On the Social History of China, and admits that the book is too biased towards class struggle and dialectics.
Third, the general history of China about Zhou Gucheng.
The General History of China is a representative historical work written by Zhou Gucheng in the middle and late 1930s. In recent ten years, academic circles have paid great attention to Zhou's General History of China and its influence. Historical Gestalt Theory? Considerable attention and research have been given.
? Historical Gestalt Theory? For a period of time after the founding of the People's Republic of China, it was repeatedly recognized as the black theory of bourgeois historiography and was criticized. Mo Zhibin pointed out pointedly. ? Historical Gestalt Theory? It is a historical theory under the guidance of historical materialism, not a black theory. Xu Fuzhi believes that under the historical conditions of white terror, it is impossible for Zhou Gucheng to openly flaunt the Marxist view of history in A General History of China. Historical Gestalt Theory? It is his new insight and interpretation of Marxist historical materialism. Academic circles have affirmed the academic achievements of Zhou Zhu's A General History of China. Yang Zhigang thinks, (Ming dynasty history? ) Zhou Gucheng pays attention to studying the history of China in the overall pattern of world history, and Zhou Zhu's General History of China is a general history of China with a world perspective. Mo Zhibin believes that Zhou's General History of China is unique in style and concrete judgment. Xu Fuzhi pointed out that the bumpy experience of Zhou's General History of China reflected the tortuous course of the development of China's modern history from one side, and this general history occupied a special and important position in China's general history works. Derek, an American scholar, believes that Zhou's General History of China pays attention to historical evidence and applies Marxist theory flexibly, which is the best example of using historical materialism to explain the history of China. But some scholars believe that there are some biases in this general history. Zhao Meichun pointed out: Because Zhou Gucheng pays too much attention to the historical integrity of general history works, it is biased to completely deny historical styles such as biographical style, chronological style and textual style. The content of China's general history focuses on social changes, which is convenient to fully grasp the historical changes of China, but personal activities, academic culture and so on. Are ignored, it is difficult to reflect the rich connotation of history itself. ?
Fourth, about Zhou Gucheng's General History of the World.
The General History of Zhou World is another representative historical treatise written in the late 1940s, and it is also the first general history of the world written by China people themselves. In recent ten years, this general history has enjoyed a high reputation in academic circles for its novel historical theory and compilation purport.
On Zhou Zhu's view of history in A General History of the World. Researchers believe that Zhou's General History of the World emphasizes the unified whole and organic organization of world history. What is his historical view? Holistic historical view? . Mo Zhibin analysis:? Zhou Gucheng's General History of the World breaks the old framework of national history and tries to have a comprehensive bird's eye view of the overall situation or unified whole of human social development from the perspective of the unity of opposites between the local and the whole. ? Zhang Guangzhi pointed out from the perspective of opposing Eurocentrism:? In A General History of the World, Zhou Gucheng's basic idea is to oppose Eurocentrism and advocate the overall concept of compiling world history. ? Where does Li Yong think Zhou's General History of the World comes from? Historical Gestalt Theory? Starting from the inherent requirements of world history, we should focus on revealing the organic integrity of world history. What is the concept of compilation? Holistic historical view? , and popular in history in recent years? Global historical view? Close. Gu Xiaoming pointed out that Zhou Gucheng has a world perspective in historical research, and can treat the world and himself with a healthy and equal attitude, so he can resolutely oppose Eurocentrism without falling into narrow ethnocentrism. Yu Pei expressed his appreciation for the inclusion of China history in Zhou Zhu's General History of the World, and refuted some overseas scholars' attacks on the spread of general history? China-centered theory? Or? Han-centered theory? The fallacy. Mr. Jiang Yihua also pointed out that it is an objective and fair attitude to let China contact the world, which has nothing to do with regarding China as the center of the world. ? In addition, researchers generally affirm that Zhou's General History of the World has successfully used comparative methods, which is considered as a pioneer in advocating comparative studies of Chinese and foreign historiography in the new period.
Verb (abbreviation of verb) On Zhou Gucheng's view of ancient history by stages.
The division of ancient history is an unavoidable theoretical issue in China's Marxist historiography, and the debate has a long history. During his long academic career, Zhou Gucheng made unremitting thinking and discussion on this issue. Feudalism in the Eastern Han Dynasty? Sponsor.
What does Mo Zhibin think of Zhou Gucheng? Feudalism in the Eastern Han Dynasty? It is not only the result of his concern for the overall situation of the world, but also the result of his independent thinking, so he can be unique. Confucius believes that the division of ancient history is an unavoidable problem for modern historians. Different views on historical division are actually different views on history. Wang Xiuqing thinks? Feudalism in the Eastern Han Dynasty? Based on Zhou Gucheng's comprehensive comparative study of Chinese and Western history, it is a summary of Zhou Gucheng's academic experience for decades. She pointed out that although his research conclusion remains to be discussed, his broad vision and the conclusion drawn from the comparison between China and the West fully reflect his pioneering spirit of unremitting pursuit of truth and innovation. ? Tao Yongshu goes to Zhou Gucheng? Feudalism in the Eastern Han Dynasty? Give a high evaluation:? Unique, full of theory, as a family statement. ?
Six, about Zhou Gucheng's opposition to Eurocentrism.
He is a pioneer in China's academic circles against Eurocentrism, and Zhou's General History of the World is a masterpiece of general history against Eurocentrism. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, he repeatedly expounded the absurdity and harm of Eurocentrism.
Eliminating the negative influence of Eurocentrism is an arduous task for the academic circles in China. In recent ten years, academic circles have paid great attention to Zhou Gucheng's first opposition to Eurocentrism. Researchers believe that Eurocentrism and Zhou Gucheng? Holistic historical view? Incompatibility is the internal reason why he can realistically oppose Eurocentrism. Zhang Guangzhi stressed:? Starting from the overall concept or unified whole of world history, it is absurd to think Eurocentrism, but it must be pointed out that Zhou's thought is comprehensive, not extreme. ? Li Yong thinks that Zhou Gucheng's? Historical Gestalt Theory? It is incompatible with Eurocentrism, which is his academic motivation to take the lead in opposing Eurocentrism. Academic circles spoke highly of Zhou Gucheng's efforts and achievements in opposing Eurocentrism. What are his viewpoints and arguments? Eurocentrism? This stubborn disease can be said to be a good medicine. ? Most researchers affirm that Zhou Gucheng is a complete opponent of Eurocentrism, but some scholars believe that although Zhou Gucheng resolutely opposes Eurocentrism subjectively, it is not complete from the objective effect.
Seven, about Zhou Gucheng? Indifferent realm theory? And then what? Convergence of the spirit of the times?
In the early 1960s, Zhou Gucheng wrote an article on history, aesthetics and literary theory, which triggered a nationwide academic discussion, which had a great influence and even attracted the attention of overseas scholars.
Regarding the origin of the argument, Wu Kequan analyzed and said:? From the perspective of history, aesthetics and artistic creation, Zhou Gucheng expounded how to correctly understand the boundaries of contradictory struggle, the relationship between contradictory struggle and contradictory unity, how to understand the times and the spirit of the times, and how to correctly understand the social functions of science, morality and art, and criticized the people who dominated everything at that time? Philosophy of struggle? Wrong thoughts. Zhou Gucheng's articles, especially those mentioned in them? Indifferent realm? And then what? Convergence of the spirit of the times? , immediately attracted dint of siege. ? Zhibin pointed out:? In the early 1960s, with the escalation of political criticism in the ideological field, he conducted academic research and published a series of articles in his familiar fields. Elaborate? Indifferent realm theory? And then what? Convergence of the spirit of the times? Although this caused a great academic debate, he always insisted on the principle of seeking truth from facts to argue with the other side. It truly shows the academic conscience and selfless and fearless academic courage of an upright scholar. ? Mr Jiang Yihua has made an excellent analysis of the background and essence of this debate. At the beginning of 1960s, both inside and outside the Party made some reflections and corrections on the major mistakes since 1958, but at the same time. The string of class struggle is getting tighter and tighter. Correct it? Left? Efforts have been accused of restoring the capitalist road. In this case, Zhou Gucheng stepped forward and wrote an article to correct it? Left? , its? Indifferent realm theory? And then what? Convergence of the spirit of the times? Dominated by the time? Philosophy of struggle? Objection, which quickly triggered national academic criticism.
Eight, about Zhou Gucheng's view of Chinese and Western culture.
How to properly handle the cultural problems between China and the West is a realistic issue related to whether the national rejuvenation and modernization can be carried out smoothly, and it is also a major theoretical issue that has long plagued the academic community. During his long academic career, Zhou Gucheng made unremitting thoughts on this issue. In his later years, Zhou Gucheng paid more attention to Chinese and Western cultural issues and put forward many insights.
Mr. Wu Kequan believes that Zhou Gucheng attaches great importance to the study of China's cultural history and world cultural history, and advocates cultural exchanges between China and the West. Cultural synthesis theory? This is the general conclusion of his lifelong research. Zhang Guangwu pointed out that on the issue of Chinese and Western cultures, Zhou Gucheng opposed total westernization and total China, and advocated cultural exchanges between China and the West. Mo Zhibin believes that there are three main points in Zhou Gucheng's view of Chinese and Western culture: first, he attaches importance to the historical position of China culture; Second, the history of world culture is a pluralistic organic whole; Third, it is believed that cultural exchanges between China and the West are mutual infiltration, mutual improvement and mutual integration. Zhang Qian analyzed Zhou Gucheng's cultural concern and thought that Zhou Gucheng was extremely concerned about how to realize the modernization of China culture and how to inherit the excellent tradition of China's traditional culture.
?
To sum up, in the past ten years, the academic circles have conducted extensive research on Zhou Gucheng's historical thought, and achieved phased research results. However, it goes without saying that most of the existing achievements belong to monographs or biographies, and there is a lack of systematic research on Zhou Gucheng's historical thoughts, and insufficient attention is paid to the development context and internal relations of his historical thoughts. In addition, the existing achievements seem to be conceptual and lack of concrete analysis of specific content.