French philosopher Gabriel Tarde is known as a philosopher who describes sociology ontologically with an integrated approach and mostly by means of metaphysical interpretations. Opposing his coeval Durkheim＇s “socia...French philosopher Gabriel Tarde is known as a philosopher who describes sociology ontologically with an integrated approach and mostly by means of metaphysical interpretations. Opposing his coeval Durkheim＇s “social fact”, Tarde claims that this notion constitutes a methodological problem and the term “social” of Durkheim＇s crowds out “variability of relations”. According to him, determinants in social relations are more general and dynamic notions, such as： “change”, “contrast”, and “adaptation”. In this respect, not quite celebrated in his era, this philosopher is widely known as a metaphysician as well as a sociologist. His metaphysical ideas are clearly visible in various sections of his works, where he described with inspirations from natural phenomenon. Descriptions and analysis on natural phenomena constitute the greater part of his works. He points out similarities between the universe and the world of men in terms of functioning. Presenting these similarities, Tarde seems to reject any division between the men and the nature built up by “positive philosophy” and modern understanding. With his natural descriptions and concepts he inferred from these descriptions, such as“contradiction” and “harmony”, he almost tries to re-establish the bonds between the nature and the social life. Tarde＇s perception of holistic being and his ideas of “contradiction” and “harmony” in nature, are very close to the most basic axioms of the traditional Chinese thought. As a matter of fact, Tarde denotes these similarities in his novella called “Fragment d＇histoire future （Underground Man）”. It is also an example to display an “East-West encounter” on a fictional plane.展开更多
As an influential theory of social science, governance theory has played a prominent role in development studies over the last two decades. Because this theory originates from the Western society, Chinese academics ha...As an influential theory of social science, governance theory has played a prominent role in development studies over the last two decades. Because this theory originates from the Western society, Chinese academics have disagreed about its applicability in China, which has essentially different conditions in democracy, rule of law, and civil society from the western society. It is argued in this paper that Chinese scholars should neither take its applicability for granted based on the strong solicitude for the reality of China, nor conclude that the governance theory is not applicable in China based on rigid structural analysis. Jessop＇s Strategic- Relational Approach presents an enlightenment of practical value that actors＇ choice of strategies and actions needs investigating based on an objective understanding of the structural background. Under the existing political-administrative system of fragmented authoritarianism, C^a civil society has already developed into ＂a dynamic force outside the state system,＂ entitled to certain participation in public affairs. Such novel understanding is of great significance in developing both the study and practice of governance in China.展开更多
文摘French philosopher Gabriel Tarde is known as a philosopher who describes sociology ontologically with an integrated approach and mostly by means of metaphysical interpretations. Opposing his coeval Durkheim＇s “social fact”, Tarde claims that this notion constitutes a methodological problem and the term “social” of Durkheim＇s crowds out “variability of relations”. According to him, determinants in social relations are more general and dynamic notions, such as： “change”, “contrast”, and “adaptation”. In this respect, not quite celebrated in his era, this philosopher is widely known as a metaphysician as well as a sociologist. His metaphysical ideas are clearly visible in various sections of his works, where he described with inspirations from natural phenomenon. Descriptions and analysis on natural phenomena constitute the greater part of his works. He points out similarities between the universe and the world of men in terms of functioning. Presenting these similarities, Tarde seems to reject any division between the men and the nature built up by “positive philosophy” and modern understanding. With his natural descriptions and concepts he inferred from these descriptions, such as“contradiction” and “harmony”, he almost tries to re-establish the bonds between the nature and the social life. Tarde＇s perception of holistic being and his ideas of “contradiction” and “harmony” in nature, are very close to the most basic axioms of the traditional Chinese thought. As a matter of fact, Tarde denotes these similarities in his novella called “Fragment d＇histoire future （Underground Man）”. It is also an example to display an “East-West encounter” on a fictional plane.
文摘As an influential theory of social science, governance theory has played a prominent role in development studies over the last two decades. Because this theory originates from the Western society, Chinese academics have disagreed about its applicability in China, which has essentially different conditions in democracy, rule of law, and civil society from the western society. It is argued in this paper that Chinese scholars should neither take its applicability for granted based on the strong solicitude for the reality of China, nor conclude that the governance theory is not applicable in China based on rigid structural analysis. Jessop＇s Strategic- Relational Approach presents an enlightenment of practical value that actors＇ choice of strategies and actions needs investigating based on an objective understanding of the structural background. Under the existing political-administrative system of fragmented authoritarianism, C^a civil society has already developed into ＂a dynamic force outside the state system,＂ entitled to certain participation in public affairs. Such novel understanding is of great significance in developing both the study and practice of governance in China.
