从上海史研究看魏斐德治史方法

上海史研究是魏斐德教授后半生最下工夫的领域。上海三部曲、戴笠研究以及一批上海史论文,是他在这个领域里的重要成就。他之所以钟情上海史,是因为研究这个领域有意义、有趣味、有特质、有资料。透过上海史研究成果,可以看出魏斐德后半生的治史方法,这就是＂无法之法,乃为上法＂。具体体现为,史料必求其极度翔实,叙述必求其周密生动,结论必求其圆通牢靠。他研究中国历史,熟悉中国历史,但采取开放的、多视角的态度,不将治史者的价值判断强加给读者,这恰恰是现代或后现代的史学特点。魏斐德是涵化了中西优秀史学传统的、有着当代开放精神的杰出史学家。

On Wakeman's History Research Method-From the Perspective of Shanghai History Study

Professor Wei Feide spared all his efforts in the rest of his life on the research of Shanghai history,w hich results in many achievements in this field,such as Shanghai Trilogy,Da Li＇s Study,and a series of papers on Shanghai history.From his point of view,the study of Shanghai history brings him a meaningful and interesting academic career w ith peculiar documents.As far as his research achievements are concerned,it is easy for us to figure out his history study idea,w hich can be summarized as＂the non-methodness is the best method＂.This idea manifests itself in detailed and accurate literature,careful and vivid narration,flexible and reliable conclusion.The acquaintance of the Chinese history enables him to take an open and multi-perspective attitude tow ards Chinese history study instead of the Chinese commentary tradition.In his study,subjective value judgment is not likely to be imposed on readers from the researcher,w hich just proves to the characteristic of the modern or Post-modern history study.In this sense,Wei Feide,w ith an overall quality of both Chinese and Western fine historical traditions,is indeed an outstanding historian and pioneer in the modern society.