Social Sciences in China (Chinese Edition)

No. 9, 2022

 

Comparison of Civilizations and Cultural Self-Consciousness: Striding Toward a Comparative Historical Sociology of “Harmony in Diversity”

(Abstract)

 

Li Rongshan

 

For a long time, comparative historical sociology has been mired in the Weberian question of “Why didn’t non-Western societies develop modern capitalism?” and has failed to ask questions based on the main body of Chinese civilization. In order to rationally speak out about Chinese truths, we need to re-ask questions based on Chinese civilization itself and critically evaluate the gains and losses of Weber’s comparative historical sociology. It is necessary to adopt the internal perspective of Chinese civilization and reconstruct its ideal type from two dimensions: “world image” and “interests.” Due to its strengths in teachings about human nature, Chinese civilization has been able to open up a path of governance by rites which is “heart to heart” and which contributes to the world the universalism of true harmony in diversity. This will help recreate a consensus among civilizations and build a global society of harmony in diversity.