本論文的主題在於分析「後山意識」的結構性義涵，並論斷它在花蓮地方社會文化發展上所導致二種完全相反方向的作用，而其造成的衝突又將如何去調和？經分析、詮釋、批判的結果，「後山意識」隱含著「文明邊陲」與「自然優位」的二元對立性結構。此一結構又被套入全國化或全球化的雙重性「中心－邊陲」大結構中；它是由歷代帝國權力實踐與論述實踐所鑄成，一向決定著被稱為「後山」的花蓮的歷史命運與存在位置。而在花蓮地方社會文化發展中，不斷地產生「希求開發」與「堅持自然」的「異向作用」，形成對立、衝突。其「調和」之可能，應當建立理性對話的「公共論述」，期待能達到以「自然優位」為終極依歸而保持適度開發的共識，為花蓮的地方社會文化發展，提供良性的定位與策略。

This paper aims to analyze the structural implication of "behind the mountain ideology" and discuss how this ideology has caused two completely different forms of social and cultural development of Hualien. It will also attempt to show how the conflicts in Hualien harmonize with each another. The analysis, explanation and criticism on this topic put forth the assertion that "behind the mountain ideology" implies a dualistic and oppositional structure of "the edge of civilization" and "the advantage of nature". This structure is further placed into the broader "center-edge" structures of nationalization and globalization, which have been built out of the implementation of imperial power over the past centuries and theoretical practice; it has been determining the historical "behind the mountain" destiny and existence of Hualien. However, in the course of Hualien's social and cultural development, the "anisotropy energy" between "attempt on development" and "insistence on nature" has constantly been disrupted. The possibility of "harmonization" shall be built upon having sensible "public discourse" in the hope of reaching a consensus that not only follows "the advantage of nature" but also allows for adequate development. The social and cultural development of Hualien will therefore be positively characterized and planned.