從魯曼的社會系統理論闡述宗教現象學的方法論

Applying Luhmann’s Social Systems Theory to the Phenomenology of Religion: A Methodological Exploration

宗教現象學是宗教學中的重要研究方法，這門擁有百年歷史的學科開創出不同的研究典範，累積了多元而豐富的內涵，但也面臨諸多質疑。本文要特別以「歷史－類型學的宗教現象學」此一典範的方法論作為討論對象，藉由社會學家魯曼的社會系統理論來刻畫其基本特徵，並回應這個典範所遭遇的挑戰。本文分三大部分：首先我們要說明宗教現象學的方法論框架，其次要基於社會系統理論的差異取向來對宗教現象學在方法論上的統一取向進行反思，最後要闡述諸般方法論環節的系統意涵。筆者希望可以在此一研究典範所著重之歷史維度的基礎上整合入社會的維度，為宗教學理論開創更多論題上的可能性。

Phenomenology of religion is an important methodology in religious studies. This century-old discipline has created various research paradigms and accumulated rich connotations, yet it also faces many challenges. This article attempts to discuss the methodology of the“Historical-Typological Phenomenology of Religion,”employing sociologist Luhmann’s social systems theory to depict its fundamental characteristics and respond to the challenges it faces. This article is divided into three parts. First, we elucidate the methodological framework of phenomenology of religion. Second, we propose a critique of the unified-orientation of the methodology in phenomenology of religion based on the differential-oriented perspective of the social systems theory. Finally, we expound on the systemic implications of various methodological aspects. We hope to integrate the social dimension into the existing historical dimension of the phenomenology of religion, thereby creating more thematic possibilities for theories of religion.