چکیده:
In this article, using 'Chaos Theory,' we will examine Iranian society and the social sciences within it. First, we will demonstrate that Iranian society exhibits 'chaotic' behavior and, for reasons that will be mentioned, can be considered a chaotic system. This is achieved by enumerating some characteristics of chaotic systems, such as 'sensitivity to initial conditions' and the mechanisms of 'expansion and contraction,' and searching for them in Iranian society. Some manifestations of this chaos, such as the non-normative distribution of system-defining variables and foundational inconsistency in Iran, have been examined for this purpose. By making a fundamental distinction between 'chaos' and 'complexity' and providing a typology, we have compared Iranian society with Western societies. Within the framework of chaos theory, we have utilized terms from certain theorists, particularly Smelser's 'structural differentiation' and 'functional coordination,' and Catusian's 'short-term society,' in formulating the results of this comparison. In addition to the nature of Iranian society, the reason for the failure of social sciences—as one of the most important manifestations and elements of modern knowledge—is another objective of this article. To this end, the implications of this typology on the formation of social sciences are investigated, and we have attempted to incorporate the views of Seyyed Javad Tabataba'i in this field into our theoretical framework. Chaos arises as a result of two processes: 'expansion' and 'contraction.' The basis of our argument is that in developed Western societies, the complexity created by expansion has led to structuring due to structural differentiation and functional coordination. We have shown this structuring in the dialectical relationship between epistemological foundations and Western social structure. In Iran, alongside expansion, contraction has also operated. This has made 'reductionism' and 'abstraction'—which were precursors to the formation of social sciences in the West—impossible. In fact, the constituent elements of a chaotic society are not reducible because the boundaries of categories are constantly changing. Despite this, by citing examples, we argue why, despite many similarities with Tabataba'i's 'Theory of Refusal,' chaos theory envisions new possibilities for sociology in Iran. The goal of this theory is to search for order within the heart of chaos.
خلاصه ماشینی:
This is achieved by enumerating some characteristics of chaotic systems, including "sensitivity to initial conditions" and the mechanisms of "expansion and contraction," and searching for them in Iranian society.
Chaos theory, chaotic systems, complex systems, structuration, reductionism, idealism, social sciences Problem Statement One of the topics that has recently occupied the minds of many Iranian sociologists is an issue that is sometimes referred to as "indigenization of social sciences.
In the present article, by employing the vocabulary and propositions of chaos theory,1 we will argue that Iran, compared to developed Western societies, is a "chaotic"2 society and then, based on this, we will address the why of the non-emergence of social sciences in Iran.
Sensitivity to initial conditions has created a way for individuals to achieve social positions in chaotic societies that is different from the process that occurs in complex societies.
Consequences of Chaos for the Social Sciences The Variability of Category Boundaries One of the fundamental criticisms leveled against Parsons' structural functionalism is the failure to consider the issue of time and change.
Throughout Iranian history, the exercise of external power over society has created a chaotic state, which we explained using the mechanisms of expansion and contraction in chaos theory.
This means that the fundamental problem of social sciences in Iran is the same problem that has gripped Iranian society (chaos).
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