Probe Into The Social Science Thought In The Period Of Enlightenment Movement

Social science refers to a research targeting at the social phenomenon. Strictly speaking, social science was emerged in 19 century. However, without speculative spirit of Ancient Greek philosophy and the freedom and rational exploring spirit in Renaissance Period and Enlightenment Period, the social science would not exist today. With the development of European Enlightenment Movement in the 17th century to 18th century, the thought of social science began to emerge and develop constantly, exerting an far-reaching influence on the construction of politics, economy, law and other aspects in every countries of the world. Hence, research on the social science will facilitates human being to learn the development laws of world history and create a better society.In this article, it has analyzed and discussed in detail on the emerging background of the thought of social science in Renaissance Period by means of integrating historical analysis with comprehensive analysis, diachrony with synchrony and from local analysis to overall integration according to Chinese and English materials on the idea of social science, especially in western countries (mainly England, France, America, Scotland).In Chapter I of this article, it has discussed the historical background emerged by social science thought in Enlightenment Period, including "the general crisis in the 17th century" and resuscitation, the emergence and development of modern natural science, as well as the rise of modern philosophy. Chapter Ⅱ has outlined three theoretical characteristics of social science thought in Enlightenment Period, namely mechanism, liberalism and enlightening reason. And detail analysis has been conducted on each of the characteristics based on specific social science thought. Chapter Ⅲ has concluded the academic significance of social science thought in Enlightenment Period. During that period, social science has played a guiding role on the construction of various social aspects in every countries at that time and in the later generation. It has not only brought western world into the modern society, but promote the modernization process of every countries. Hence, the discussion and analysis on social science of Enlightenment Period will facilitate us to study modern social science and enrich our cognition and understanding to modernity...