Abstract
Fernand Braudel (1902-85), the great French historian who had an enlightening effect on the social sciences in general, raised the issues of geohistorical structuralism and pluralistic thought on historical time. However, many people criticized the conservative implications of Braudel's thought. The problems mentioned in those criticisms are directly related to one's philosophy of history and worldview. This article elucidates the characteristics of Braudel's historical thought, including his rationalism and conservative tendencies. Construing a paradox between Braudel's historical theories and practice illuminates the responsibility a historian should feel toward history and contemporary society.