南都学坛

在《后汉书》中，范晔揭示了东汉历史发展由中兴到衰落再到败亡的总历程，并对东汉中兴与衰落的阶段特征有深入的解读。范晔对东汉前期历史的记载和评论表明，能以史为鉴，在治理国家相关政策的选用上具有灵活性，立足于长久之道而用一时之策，这是东汉前期中兴局面出现的重要原因。对于东汉渐衰以致败亡，范晔的认识包括事实与事理两个维度，前者从正、反两个方向论述了东汉倾危的具体原因，后者则重在追寻东汉失祚的根本因素，两者间深具“事”与“理”之结合的辩证逻辑。范晔对东汉中兴与衰落的认识，对今天的社会治理仍具有理论价值和借鉴意义。

In Book of the Later Han(后汉书), also known as the History of the Later Han and by its Chinese name Hou Han Shu, Fan Ye(范晔) outlines the overall historical trajectory of the Eastern Han Dynasty(25–220 A.D.)—from its restoration to its decline and eventual downfall—and provides an in-depth interpretation of the distinct characteristics of each stage. His account and commentary on the early Eastern Han period demonstrate a keen ability to draw lessons from history. Fan emphasizes the importance of policy flexibility in governance: adopting expedient measures rooted in long-term principles. This strategic approach was a key factor contributing to the resurgence and relative stability of the early Eastern Han regime. In analyzing the dynasty's gradual decline and ultimate collapse, Fan Ye approaches the issue from two dimensions: factual and theoretical. On the factual level, he examines both the positive and negative forces that led to the Eastern Han's deterioration. On the theoretical level, he seeks to uncover the fundamental causes underlying the dynasty's loss of legitimacy. His analysis reflects a dialectical logic that integrates empirical evidence(“shi”) with reasoned judgment(“li”). Fan Ye's insights into the Eastern Han's revival and decline continue to hold theoretical significance and offer valuable lessons for contemporary governance.