Research On The Concept Of Social Science

Beginning from the 17th century and going through the 18th century, social science became mature in the 19th century. During the research of social science, the first problem the researchers face is the unity of concepts. As a logic starting point of any science research,it is impossible for researchers to debate and research based on the unanimous cognition and reach a consensus on the object of study, producing an influential theory on social science if there is no consensus on the basic concepts. Thus, based on the concept of social science, the paper discusses its characteristics and definition and provides a brief summary of its status, function and utility in social science under a wide context of society and culture.Besides preface and conclusion, the thesis is divided into three parts. The preface introduces the definition of social science and the definition of concept of social science. It also shows the background and significance of the dissertation.In the first part it mainly introduces logical characteristics(intension,extension and its relations),formal characteristics (objectivity and subjectivity, stability and flexibility) and essential characteristics of concepts of social science(coherence, validity and operation, resonance, analytic/empirical utility). After the discussion of the characteristics of concepts of social science, the second part discusses how to define the concepts of social science. In the last part, it elaborates the significance on concepts of social science in the subject.The main purpose of the thesis is to clearly elaborate the concepts of social science, show the importance of it and express its essential characteristics. From our discussion those who work on social science realize social science is not an accessory of natural science and liberal arts. It has its own essential and core content distinguishing it from other subjects. It is also an unique research field which has its independent norms and standards. Only if those who work on social science realize and understand the specificity of the concept of the social science, they can define their research subject conscientiously and go deep analysis based on the common-recognized concepts so as to form effective theoretical explanation. Therefore, social science scholars and professionals in other areas have a common communication platform that different factions having different methodologies can compare and debate in a common conceptual framework.