【摘要】 中国学术历来讲究“学以致用”,但知识的功用是一个复杂的问题,不能单纯用眼前之用来评判知识的价值。求知可以致用,而一味求用则可能妨碍求知。一般认为,历史具有“资治”、教化、娱乐等多种现实功用,但历史在根本上是构成文化的一种要素,是群体认同的基点,是人们探索生活意义的内在参照。因此,研究历史的首要意义在于推动文化建设,而不是解决实际问题。求知乃“史之本”,历史学者应当在“守本”和“务本”的基点上求用,而不能舍本逐末。更多还原

【Abstract】 It has been highly emphasized in the Chinese academic tradition that scholars should set up usefulness the uppermost purpose in their scholarly undertakings. Nevertheless the use of knowledge is not such a simple question, and instant utility is not the sole criterion for judging the value of knowledge. While knowledge can bring benefits in its application, purely seeking usefulness may hamper the pursuit of knowledge. History as a kind of knowledge has, as it is generally understood, various practical uses, but it is essentially one of the fundamental elements that compose a culture. It provides a basis for group identification, and helps people explore the meaning of life. Therefore the primary significance of studying history is to promote the building up of a culture, rather than to figure out solutions for realistic problems. The pursuit of knowledge is the foundation of historical studies, and historians must start from that point to seek uses for historical knowledge.更多还原