中西治学方式之差异

中西治学方式的差异主要表现在三方面 :一是在处理“学” (基础理论研究 )与“术” (应用研究 )关系时有所不同。西方的“学”与“术”是两种不同的层次 ,两者分工明确 ,而且紧密结合。而中国则“学”、“术”不分或有“术”无“学”。二是在对待“博”与“专”的关系时有差异。西方学者大多“先专后博” ,即先进入某一个领域 ,进行深入、细致的研究 ,做出成果后再扩大知识面。中国传统的学者多为“先博后专” ,即先打好扎实的基础 ,掌握广博的知识 ,然后再进入某一个专业领域进行研究。三是研究的注重点不同 ,即“点”与“面”的差异。所谓“点” ,即研究的视角集中在社会或文化的某一要素或某一主题 ;所谓“面” ,即研究的视角大多是一个专题或一个领域。西方学术注重“点” ,而中国学术强调“面”。

The Differences in the Intention of Study between China and Western Countries

China and Western countries have different academic sources and systems so that they enjoy differences in the intention of study. In Western culture, "the quest for knowledge" and "the quest for law" are highly appreciated. People seek to discover the intrinsic laws of nature and society based on which theories are constructed and analyzed. While in China, "practical application" and "facts orientation" are valued, careful argumentation and valid reasoning, praised. Scholars like to study a specific thing, understand its particularity, and analyze the causal relationship and development. Both the Chinese and Western traditions have their own advantages, and it is important for China to learn the strong points from its Western counterpart so as to make further progress.