抄録
The method of research cannot be treated independently of the object of research. As Wilhelm Dilthey (1833-1911), a German Philosopher, said, differing from the generalized explanation based on the law of causality in natural science, we have the three parts of historical individualized description, theoretical recognition and practical judgement (proposition of policy) in spiritual science. Especially the historical part composes the basis of the other theoretical and practical parts. In other words, we can point out the significance of historical research in educational administration. In addition, Eduard Spranger (1882-1963), a German philosopher, proposed the three methods of historical, comparative and theoretical research, and in the same way attached importance to the historical method. From such a point of view, I briefly stated that historical research in educational institutions and administration had been pioneered by Lorenz von Stein (1815-1890) in Germany. Thereafter it moved toward grasping the types or rules of development in those research fields, being stimulated by new methods of social science. Then, I inquired into the tendencies of historical research in educational institutions and administration in Japan. Finally, I suggested the following five points based on the afore mentioned. i) from historical description to theoretical recognition and practical judgement (proposition of policy). ii) the importance of historical research in theoretical recognition and the proposition of policy. iii) the necessity of securing the objectivity of historical research as much as possible. iv) the expectation of historical and comparative research focused on the matters of Japan, and historical research of Japan's contemporary age, especially in the postwar period. v) the desirability of attempting to inquire into the history of historical research in educational institutions and administration.
