李海默*
摘要：本文分析了柏克对于诺曼征服这一重要史事的态度。从基本面上，柏克对于此事件并不特别否定，反而认为此事件的最终结果是，来自欧洲的强权侵入型势力最后亦化为英国政治史的一个有机组成部分，故而不须特别去强调所谓撒克逊式自由和诺曼征服之间的紧张冲突关系。从柏克的观点看，撒克逊式古典自由虽多半为不可靠之神话，却并非无一可取处，亦非经诺曼征服后全然灰飞烟灭。诺曼征服虽深蕴进步底色，且对英伦旧制并非尽毁，却亦有血腥、残暴、不仁的面向。也正因此，从撒克逊时代过渡到诺曼时代，不会显得突兀或截断，反而能体现出一种层累进展、复合演化的样态。诺曼征服一事之相关诠释，于柏克而言并非只是一则普通的数百年前史料，而是紧密关切到柏克对整个英国宪制发展史的解读，乃至柏克政治思想的建构。
关键词： 埃德蒙•柏克；诺曼征服；英国政治思想史
【作者】美国休斯敦大学政治学博士，复旦大学国际关系与公共事务学院副研究员。
【Title】A Layered History of British Politics: A New Interpretation of Edmund Burke’s Discussions about the Norman Conquest
Abstract: This paper revisits political philosopher Burke’s viewpoints and ideas on the historical event of Norman Conquest. It points out that Burke’s relatively positive assessment of that event was largely built upon his peculiar understanding and interpretation of the British Constitutional history and the tradition of British political order. Burke’s trademark idea of an organic contract existed between “the dead, the living and the unborn” and an unbroken linkage between “the past, the current and the future” makes himself quite receptive into the bright sides of the Conquest. In order to achieve their political goals, Burke’s intellectual enemies all tended to overemphasize the negative aspects of the Conquest, this further propel Burke to come to defend the critical historical position occupied by the Conquest. Moreover, Burke’s stance and analysis on the Conquest can be directly linked with his special ideas about a tolerant, liberal, law-abiding but nevertheless undivided and fully intact British Empire framework. Put these clues altogether, we probably can approach closer to a more clear and complete image of Burke’s doctrine.
Key Words: Edmund Burke, Norman Conquest, History of British political thought