Middle-level theory

Author: Yang Nianqun
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2007-07-01
Features: This book is part of the "Ehu Academic Series." The series aligns with the trend of China's academic and societal innovation, emphasizing the "three principles": academic principles, Chinese discourse, and problem awareness. It aims to elevate the humanistic realm of contemporary Chinese academia and build a "public space" for academic discourse. The series focuses on the humanities but also extends to the entire social sciences.
『Series Introduction』
"Ehu" draws its name from the famous academy in Lianshan, Jiangxi during the Southern Song Dynasty—the Ehu Academy. Zhu Xi, Lu Jiuliang, Lu Jiuyuan, and Lü Zuxian once gathered here to debate the philosophy of "nature and principle," an event later known as the "Ehu Conference," which became a celebrated anecdote among scholars. Over time, the "Ehu Conference" came to symbolize a grand academic spectacle and tradition, representing the flourishing of diverse academic thoughts and schools, as well as the spirit of intellectual exchange and mutual inspiration. In recent decades, the "importation-mimicry" trend in Chinese humanities and social sciences has gradually faded, while the pursuit of "creation-participation" has become increasingly prominent. After the fervor of the 1980s and the accumulation of depth in the 1990s, Chinese academia is now advancing toward deeper refinement. This "Ehu Academic Series" embodies this commitment to academic prosperity.
Guided by the principles of "academic originality," "Chinese discourse," and "problem awareness," this series distinguishes itself from the mere compilations and simplistic translations found in the market, transcending the repetitive and uninspired academic bubbles. This book is part of the "Ehu Academic" series.
How to reposition the relationship between historical materials and interpretation has become an unavoidable question for historians. Young scholar Mr. Nianqun attempts to apply "middle-range theory" in this book to re-examine the theoretical dilemmas faced in Chinese historical research. Middle-range theory, on one hand, helps us avoid the entanglement of grand narratives, while on the other, it discusses how to transform the (craftsmanship approach to history) in the historical field, thereby finding a middle path for Chinese historical studies.