The article conducts a comparative analysis of the main contemporary Western
International Relation Theories from the
philosophical perspective of ontology, epistemology and methodology, through which the fact is clearly noted that IRTs and philosophical thoughts are more often than not intimately related and that Western IRTs are premised and based on philosophical ontology, epistemology, methodology and the value system reflected therein. Although Western IRTs have achieved diversity in theoretical schools and maturity in academic study, it is evident that there still exist some significant
limitations in terms of philosophical basis, for instance, the antinomy of science and ethics, inevitability and contingency. China needs more basic philosophical exploration and study in its IRT
building-up, in the course of which, issues pertaining to the relations between PAST and PRESENT, OURS and THEIRS
shall be properly handled. In this context, the Western IRTs have its relevance as a point of reference for China's IRT building-up. More importantly, China's IRT building-up shall strive to overcome the limitations of Western IRTs so much so that it is more practice-oriented and that harmonious international society is a valuable theoretical concept and proposition.