1. Unschuld (1985) points out that the "History of Ideas" in Chinese medical thought follows a development very unlike that in the West, e.g., such as that formulated by Kuhn. Using a social harmony model as a guide, examine the validity of Unschuld's argument for the period since the Han.
Unlike the Kuhnian scenario for the development of ideas, Chinese concept development is more pleuralistic. According to Kuhn's hypotheses, new ideas overcome prevailing concepts to create subsequent "eras of 'normal science.'" In contrast, with Chinese medicine, the emergence of new and antagonistic concepts rarely results in conflict resolution (57). Rather, the Chinese "history of ideas" more often involves finding ways to reconcile opposing views. By building bridges between the different concepts, they are both preserved and available. This gives the Chinese a greater diversity of ideas to work with (58).
The "social harmony theory" was first expounded by Confucius (61). He believed that social unrest resulted from discrepancy between the "expectations associated with social roles and the actual conduct of members of society." Accordingly, social standing was not determined automatically by birth, but rather by the acquisition of certain qualities. He believed that virtue should be based on conduct; and that people should "follow the mean." Hence, individual excesses which might disrupt social harmony were to be avoided.
In concordance with the Chinese pattern of conceptual evolution, the social harmony theory exerted a significant influence throughout the Sung, Ming, and Ch'ing periods. Even modern Chinese medicine, for example, is characterized by a plurality of concepts and practical approaches (260).
4. Apply the "social harmony theory" approach to medical development in China from the T'ang to the Ch'ing dynasty, inclusive (cosmobiology).
The "social harmony theory" emphasizes the importance of the ind...