"Hui" from the Comparisons Between China and Western: Starting from Su Guoxun's Comments on the History of Weber's Sinology

In his ground-breaking study on Max Weber, Professor Su Guoxun points out the linkage between Weber and a sinologist J.J.M. de Groot, the use of concept of "Universalism"in his monograph on China shows how Weber's vison is defined by the literature source and stand-point of de Groot. Following Prof. Su's path, this study compares the notion of "Sect" in Weber's and de Groot's study, both of whom claim "Hui"(society) in traditional China as "sect", but with different theoretical treatment. Weber focus more on the peaceful and self-organizational aspect of Hui, while it doesn't function as the mechanism in favor of the birth of modern capitalism. By the comparison of Weber and de Groot, China and the west, this study indicates that China with its long history and sophisticated culture should have a more active role in the process of modernization. Furthermore, combining universal theory with Chinese experience, sociological theory could help to map the 'real' China behind the historical document.