Social Sciences in China (Chinese Edition)

No.11, 2020

A Humanistic Reflection and Analysis of Contemporary Western Historiographical Theory

(Abstract)

Dong Lihe

Since the mid-to-late 20th century, humanistic reflections on Western historiography have shown a continuity between the modern concept of “theory” and its classical meaning. Historians’ theoretical and practical historiographical activities are united under the category of “observing” As an integral observation of historical ontology, “historical theory” emphasizes not only the cognitive dimension but also the ethical and aesthetic dimension. In historical research, “historical theory in the narrow sense” is an observation of the intrinsic nature of historical knowledge as both epistemology and methodology. As a form of analysis and a critique of knowledge premises or hypotheses, this theory is conducive to the rationalization and clarification of historical theory, but may also lessen its humanistic attraction. In a sense, historical theory in the narrow sense is fundamental and structural for the practice of historical research. Historical research should unite the categories of experience and transcendence. To build the convincing discipline system, academic system and discourse system of Chinese historiography, we also need to strengthen the development and innovation of historical theory.