In the Spring Semester, IHSS introduced a new lecture series Historical Methods in Social Science, which explores the dynamic interplay between social science and history. This interdisciplinary fusion offers fresh perspectives to the traditional subject of history, while also stimulating innovative approaches within social science. While the incorporation of historical perspectives into social science extends beyond mere Western influence, the inherent tension between these disciplines persists. To address this, IHSS has undertaken many endeavors to contemplate the application of historical methods in social science. However, further efforts are required to fully embrace and reflect upon the utilization of historical methods in this field. As part of these initiatives, the institute has organized a compelling series of lectures, inviting scholars from diverse disciplines within the realm of social science.
The first lecture titled Bringing Human Back to Sociology - Starting with 'Social Theory of Position and Growth (位育论) was delivered on March 16 by Professor Zhou Feizhou (Department of Sociology, Peking University). The lecture focused the analysis of "human" from both theoretical and practical perspectives, emphasized the importance of the historical dimension in social analysis, and explored how to incorporate historical dimension into empirical research through case studies. Professor Zhou also discussed about Pan Guangdan (潘光旦)'s Social Theory of Position and Growth, which proposed a holistic discussion of "human" that arose from the shortcomings in the social analysis of sociology. Fei Xiaotong (费孝通) also expressed regret for "only seeing society and not seeing humans" in his reflection on his own studies in sociology.
The second lecture, titled From “Process-Event Analysis” to “Root-Cause Event Sociology”, was delivered by Professor Ying Xing (School of Social Sciences, Tsinghua University) on April 6. Qualitative research in contemporary social science often faces challenges of weak foundations. Therefore, the lecture first reviewed the application and controversy surrounding the "process-event" analysis method and then proposed a new research approach, Root-Cause Event Sociology. The lecture strengthened the role of history in social science research by emphasizing the significance of 'event' and 'root-cause' analysis in sociological analysis.
Following lectures in this series:
How History and Social Sciences "Combine Their Beauties in Harmony" —The Example of Historical Sociology
Li Lifeng, Professor from Department of Sociology, Tsinghua University
Historical Literacy in Sociological Research
Xiao Ying, Professor from Department of Sociology, Shanghai University
The "Historical Perspective" of Nation Studies in Political Science
Luo Yinan, Assistant Professor from School of Government, Peking University