The System Paradigm Revisited. Clarification and Additions in the Light of Experiences in the Post-Socialist Region

Abstract

The term paradigm was introduced to the philosophy of science by Thomas Kuhn -he used this term to denote the specifi c approach applied by a school of reasearch to examine its subject matter.Researchers using the same paradigm seek answers to similar questions, and employ similar methods and concepts.In an article published in 2000, the author of this essay introduced the term system paradigm, which focuses on the systems functioning in a society.This study develops the theoretical considerations outlined in that earlier article on the basis of experience on post-socialist transition.The fi rst part compares the socialist and capitalist systems, describing their main characteristics, and concludes that the capitalist system has become established in former socialist countries, except for North Korea and Cuba.The second part analyzes varieties of capitalism within a typology which classifi es prevailing forms of politics and government.Three markedly different types are identifi ed: democracy, autocracy, and dictatorship.Huntington wrote about the "third wave" of democratization.This study concludes the third wave has dried up: for the 47 post-socialist countries, only a tenth of the population live in democracy, while autocracy or dictatorship prevails in all other countries in this group.The third part of this essay applies the conceptual and analytical apparatus to Hungary, where capitalism exists, and autocracy is the prevailing politico-governmental form -here we can fi nd important characteristics common to other capitalist countries or other autocracies.This fi nding is compatible with the observation that there are some, less fundamental, characteristics unique to Hungary, or "Hungarica", which differ from the characteristics of all other countries.