歐元歷史：分析層次的觀點

本文擬提供一個歐元的歷史回顧，並繼之以相關理論的檢視。歐元是歐洲在實現經濟暨貨幣聯盟上若干嘗試的結果。儘管其從開始到獲採用的過程大致可分爲三階段，但就其高低起伏的解釋，卻仍是爭辯的焦點。爲求更好的理解歐元，本文以「分析層次」作爲組織與評估相關詮釋的架構。各理論觀點依其解釋力可分別歸類爲國際、歐洲或國家三層次。儘管在後設層次或不相容，合起來它們卻構成了一個更全面的圖像。此外，此一架構亦使理論的評估不致取決於特定且本非價值中立的「事實」，而是視其能否納入不同層次的要素。最後，儘管因一個令人滿意的理論解釋尚不可得，而使部分學者主張折衷主義，本文卻持懷疑的態度：前者得出的或僅是片斷的資訊，而非知識。

關鍵字

歐元；經濟暨貨幣聯盟；分析層次

並列摘要

This paper aims to provide a historical overview of the euro, followed by a review of several perspectives that seek to explain that history. The euro is a result of various European attempts to bring about an economic and monetary union (EMU). While it is generally agreed that the process leading to the adoption of the euro can be divided into three stages, there are still heated debates as to what best explains the ups and downs of EMU. To better understand the euro, this paper proposes ”level of analysis” as a useful framework to organize and evaluate important theoretical accounts in the literature. Depending on the explanatory power given, the perspectives under review can be categorized into at least three levels-international, European, and national. While these accounts may not be compatible in meta-theoretical terms, together they nevertheless constitute a fuller picture of the complexity of the process. In addition, the framework also allows theories to be compared not by certain ”facts” that are not themselves neutral, but by the level (s) that each theory is capable (or incapable) of taking into consideration. Finally, while the fact that no satisfactory account is yet available leads some to argue for an eclectic approach, this paper nevertheless holds a more skeptical stance, arguing that what can be achieved might just be pieces of information, not knowledge.