生物多样性 ›› 2023, Vol. 31 ›› Issue (12): 23304.  DOI: 10.17520/biods.2023304

• 华莱士诞辰200周年纪念专题 • 上一篇    下一篇

论华莱士的人类学思想及其当代价值

康敏*()   

  1. 北京外国语大学亚洲学院, 北京 100089
  • 收稿日期:2023-08-29 接受日期:2023-09-27 出版日期:2023-12-20 发布日期:2023-09-28
  • 通讯作者: E-mail: kangmin@bfsu.edu.cn

Wallace’s anthropological thought and its contemporary value

Min Kang*()   

  1. School of Asian Studies, Beijing Foreign Studies University, Beijing 100089
  • Received:2023-08-29 Accepted:2023-09-27 Online:2023-12-20 Published:2023-09-28
  • Contact: E-mail: kangmin@bfsu.edu.cn

摘要:

华莱士是19世纪杰出的博物学家和人类学家, 本文旨在回顾、重估并挖掘他的人类学思想及其当代价值。本文以质性研究方法为主, 尤其是档案分析与生命史研究。数据来自华莱士在不同时期发表的论文、专著和自传。通过对文献的细致梳理, 提出华莱士的人类进化理论以自然选择为基础, 融合了目的论, 是解决当时人类起源单一论与多源论冲突的方案之一。华莱士对田野调查研究方法的贡献良多, 既大大提高了经验数据的准确性和可靠性, 强调了田野调查方法在科学研究中的重要性, 还提升了从事野外考察的博物学家的社会地位。华莱士具有一种谦恭的方法论态度, 它可以进一步生发出非人类中心论的自然哲学、系统协同共生的科学哲学和道义高于经济的政治哲学, 这些思想对于如何应对当下生态环境危机深有启示。

关键词: 马来群岛, 人类学, 博物学家, 田野调查, 人种地理分布

Abstract

Aims: Alfred Russel Wallace, a prominent naturalist and anthropologist of the 19th century, left a lasting legacy in the fields of anthropology and natural history. This paper aims to conduct a comprehensive review, reevaluation, and exploration of his anthropological theories and assess their contemporary relevance.

Method: This research employs a qualitative research approach, with a specific focus on documentary analysis and the examination of life stories. The primary data sources include Wallace’s own papers, monographs, and autobiographical works published throughout his lifetime.

Review results: Anthropological inquiry held a significant place within Wallace’s extensive eight-year expedition across the Malay Archipelago. Our examination reveals three key aspects of his work: (1) Wallace’s groundbreaking theory of human evolution, informed by natural selection and intertwined with teleological considerations, played a pivotal role in resolving the debates between monogenism and polygenism concerning human origins at the time. (2) Wallace’s contributions to field research methodologies not only enhanced the precision and credibility of empirical data but also elevated the importance of field research in scientific investigations. Furthermore, they contributed to the elevated social standing of naturalists engaged in such research. (3) Wallace’s humble and meticulous methodological approach has far-reaching implications. It can inspire a natural philosophy rooted in non-anthropocentrism, a scientific philosophy centered on synergistic and symbiotic systems, and a political philosophy emphasizing morality over economy. These insights hold profound relevance for addressing contemporary ecological and environmental crises.

Key words: Malay Archipelago, anthropology, naturalist, field research, human biogeography