學界一般認為,博阿斯學派提倡歷史的方法,反對思辨的方法,重點研究特定民族的文化史,因此又被稱為"歷史特殊論學派"或"文化歷史學派"。事實上,博阿斯學派具有"反歷史"傾向,與歷史研究之間一直存在張力,由此折射出一種特殊的結構視域中的歷史觀,對美國文化人類學,尤其是美國歷史人類學的發展演進有著重要的影響。本文嘗試對此進行深入揭示,為全面解讀博阿斯學派提供一種新的視角。

In academic circle,it is a generally acknowledged that Boas school advocates historical approach and opposes analytical method in studying the cultural history of a particular ethnic group. Hence it is also called the School of Historical Particularism or Cultural-historical School. In fact,there has always been a tension between Boas School and historical studies,and its anti-history tendency reflects a special view of history in the perspective of structure. This paper tries to make an in-depth study to provide a new perspective for the interpretation of Boas School.