This book is a groundbreaking theoretical work that redefines the epistemological foundations of the social sciences. From the perspective of a paradigm revolution, the author systematically explicates how Francis L. K. Hsu constructed a holistic framework that challenges the reductionist foundations of Western social science. Drawing from the standpoint of a marginal man, Hsu compares the civilizational structures of the United States, China, India, and Japan, analyzing the distinct patterns of interaction between social organization, cultural systems, and individual psychological behavior. He developed a theoretical framework that spans national communities, ethnic communities, and political communities. This approach not only breaks away from Western-centric epistemologies but has also laid the foundation for a globally emerging Civilizational Comparative Paradigm, now gaining broad attention and adoption across academic disciplines

Establishes a holistic knowledge system for comparative studies of literate civilizations Challenges the reductionist paradigm of Western social sciences through systemic critique Proposes three alternative disciplines based on ethnic, communal, and political research units

Autorentext

Kuo-Lung Yu received his Ph.D. in International Politics from Peking University, where he also completed his postdoctoral research in the Department of Political Science. He is currently a Professor at the School of International Relations and Deputy Director of the Institute of Psychoculturology at Huaqiao University.
Professor Yu has long been engaged in the theoretical construction and cross-cultural comparative research of Psychoculturology. His work focuses on integrating psychological mechanisms, cultural systems, and social structures to develop an explanatory framework known as the Civilizational Comparative Paradigm.

Inhalt
Introduction.- Assumption of Francis L.K. Hsu' Theory.- Research Methods.- Psychosocial Homeostasis.- Hsu's dominant dyad hypothesis.- Secondary groups hypothesis.- Literate civilizations.- National behavior in China and the U.S.- Enlightenment on the construction of international relations theory.