Abstract ..............................................................I
Key Words .............................................................I
摘要 ..................................................................II
關鍵詞 ................................................................II
Introduction ..........................................................1
I. Definitions and Explanations of Individualism and Collectivism .....3
A. Definition and Explanation of American Individualism ...............3
B. Definition and Explanation of Chinese Collectivism................. 5
C.Chinese Misunderstanding of American Individualism.................. 6
II.Two Setbacks for Chinese Present Development........................7
A. Weak Ability to Innovate in Science and Technology .................7
B. Slow Process in Rule by Law.........................................8
III. Positive Roles of Individualism ..................................9
A. Ability to Innovate................................................ 9
B. Rule by Law.........................................................11
IV. Chinese Cultural Revival in the Twenty-first Century ..............12
Conclusion............................................................ 14
Acknowledgements ......................................................15
Bibliography ..........................................................16
Abstract
This paper makes an analysis of the cultural difference between America and China — American individualism and Chinese collectivism from the perspective of prisoners of war and then discusses the importance to foster the spirit of individualism in today’s China when it encounters two setbacks in its reform and development. One of the two setbacks is weak ability to innovate in science and technology and the other is slow process of rule by law. With openness and positive attitude of drawing on other civilizations’ strong points, China would avoid detours in its double social transformations from the type of farming to industry and from industry to information.
Key Words
prisoners of war (POW); American individualism; Chinese collectivism; innovation in science and technology; rule by law
