Abstract
In the era of big data,historical research faces a new challenge,that is,how to make better use of the large-scale historical materials given in a large number of historical databases which have been established and become accessible to the public. Quantitative history,as a critical branch of the new history,is one of the important strategies by which to deal with this challenge. In recent years,as a burgeoning field in international academia,quantitative history has developed sophisticated analytical methods. Taking the study of The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism as an example,this article details the research process of quantitative history and analyzes its potential positive role in coping with the challenge of historical big data. It identifies long-term impact on historical research,and promotes exchange and dialogue between the history discipline and other subjects in social sciences.
随着历史大数据时代的到来,大量历史数据库建成和向学界开放,历史研究也面临新的挑战,即如何有效利用大规模的史料。量化历史作为新史学的重要组成部分,是应对历史大数据挑战的重要方法之一。近年来,量化历史在国际学术界发展较快,形成了较为完善的分析方法,本文以基于《新教伦理与资本主义精神》展开的量化历史研究为例,详细说明其研究步骤,分析其在应对历史大数据的挑战、识别历史的长期影响、促进历史学与其他社会科学的交流与对话等方面可能发挥的作用。
随着历史大数据时代的到来,大量历史数据库建成和向学界开放,历史研究也面临新的挑战,即如何有效利用大规模的史料。量化历史作为新史学的重要组成部分,是应对历史大数据挑战的重要方法之一。近年来,量化历史在国际学术界发展较快,形成了较为完善的分析方法,本文以基于《新教伦理与资本主义精神》展开的量化历史研究为例,详细说明其研究步骤,分析其在应对历史大数据的挑战、识别历史的长期影响、促进历史学与其他社会科学的交流与对话等方面可能发挥的作用。