Structure-Mechanism Explanation and the Evolution of the Structure-Mechanism Relationship After the Big Bang
Structure-mechanism explanation is at the core of sociological analysis.But why does it have to be?For instance,why is the explanation in physics centering on laws rather than structures and mechanisms?What is the relationship between structures and mechanisms?Do structures determine mechanisms or vice versa,or are there any other kinds of explanations except for structure-mechanism explanation?If only structural-mechanistic explanations exist,how could writings that emphasize the interpretation of local knowledge and highlight the importance of contingencies be understood?Driven by these and other confusions,I integrate my physics,chemistry,biology,and social sciences knowledge to propose a unified model that captures a constantly evolving and complex relationship between structures and mechanisms,formed immediately after the Big Bang.Based on this model,I discuss how the structure-mechanism relationship evolves,what are the patterns behind,as well as what are the model's various implications for social analyses.
万方数据
维普
