見證史家：小亞瑟．斯勒辛格（Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr.）的現實意識及史學思想

本論文探討美國史家小亞瑟．梅爾．斯勒辛格（Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr., 1917-2007）如何成為以撰寫當代史（contemporary history）為志業（vocation）的「職業史家」（professional historian），或是他於個人文章中謂之的「見證史家」（eyewitness historian）。本論文將以此職志做為切入點，來剖析他的現實意識及史學思想之間的辯證關係，並進一步指出，小斯勒辛格的學術研究所依據之核心取向。本論文並非一篇涵蓋小斯勒辛格一生的完整傳記，而是以他重要的相關文本與時代脈絡之間的相互作用去理解。小斯勒辛格處在「現在」比之前任何時代都更快地成為「過去」的二十世紀，他是如何探究此過去的事實？換言之，做為史家，他如何做到，在撰寫歷史時，不放棄政治義務，而用嚴謹的歷史技藝及本身職業的視野，做出學術成果。以此，論證小斯勒辛格至始至終都是一位「參與者的史家」——見證史家。而非是純粹的職業史家，甚至不少研究者所認為，小斯勒辛格是位帶有政治目的職業史家，或是政治家（statesman）與政客（politician）。他的研究成果是非歷史、不具客觀性及接近歷史真相的。

關鍵字

新政；美國自由主義；自由派史家；知識分子；具有生命活力的中間派；見證史家；見證歷史；當代史；帝王般的總統；美國史學史

並列摘要

This paper investigates how the American historian Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr., whose works focus on contemporary history, has been considered not just a “professional historian” but also an “eyewitness historian”, an identity suggested in his own essays. In addition to expanding on his vocation, this paper also attempts to analyze the dialectical relationship between his presentism and historical thinking, further underscoring the core values on which Schlesinger Jr. based his academic research. That said, this paper is by no means a comprehensive account of the life of Schlesinger Jr. but aims to examine his major works in a historical context. Living in the 20th century, when “the present” became “the past” faster than ever, how did Schlesinger Jr. interpret the truth in the past? In other words, as a historian, how did he employ solid historical craftsmanship and unique perspective to make contributions in academia without forsaking his political obligations? The answers lead to the argument that Schlesinger Jr. has always been more of a “historian as participant” than a mere professional historian. Some researchers go so far as to see Schlesinger Jr. as a professional historian with political motivations, a politician or even a statesman, whose research results are non-historical, partial yet closer to historical truth.

並列關鍵字

New Deal ； American liberalism ； liberal historians ； intellectual ； Vital Center ； eyewitness historian ； eyewitness history ； contemporary history ； Imperial Presidency ； American historiography