假设、模型、范式:方法论视角的国际关系理论

Understanding Theories of International Relations from Perspe ctive of Methodology

作为方法论的三个基本要素 ,假设、模型、范式在社会科学语境中有着丰富的含义和完整的体系。当代国际关系理论虽然流派众多 ,分歧各异 ,但就主流学派而言 ,它们都共享无政府状态的公理性假设和国家中心论、理性国家论等核心假设 ,并注重将方法论个体主义与整体主义结合起来 ,在研究模型上趋向体系化和结构化 ,在研究范式上 ,逐步走向可通约的理性主义范式。与此形成对照的是 ,马克思主义构建了独具特色的研究起点 ,建构主义采纳了与因果理论相异的研究范式。假设、模型和范式三者的密切联系与互动组合 ,形成了不同的理论流派 ,从这三个方法论核心要素角度理解国际关系理论 ,有助于把握流派分歧背后的内在同一性 ,发现学科建设的本质要素 ,理清国际关系理论发展的主线 ,推动国际关系学科的分层研究。

The paper examines hypothesis, model and paradigm of international relations, as well as relations among them. Based on analysis, it examines contemporary theor ies of International Relations with a focus on anarchy, the basic model of each school and the study paradigm of Rationalism, Constructivism and Marxism. Then it points out that, to understand theories of International Relations, there are three methodological core elements that help us to grasp the inherent coherence behind the divergence among different schools, and to find out the essential el ements influencing the building of the discipline.