The Mission and Task of Constructing the Disciplinary System, Academic System, and Discourse System

Constructing a disciplinary system, academic system, and discourse system (hereinafter referred to as the “three systems”) with Chinese characteristics, Chinese style, and Chinese manner is the goal orientation for building philosophy and social sciences with Chinese characteristics, and has become a major topic actively explored by the academic community. As a historical research worker, I mainly proceed from the perspective of the discipline of history, combined with the overall situation of philosophy and social sciences work, and offer some thoughts on the construction of the “three systems.”

构建中国特色、中国风格、中国气派的学科体系、学术体系、话语体系（以下简称“三大体系”），是构建中国特色哲学社会科学的目标指向，已经成为学术界积极探讨的重大课题。作为一名历史研究工作者，我主要从历史学专业的视角出发，结合哲学社会科学工作全局，就“三大体系”建设谈几点自己的思考。

The construction of the “three systems” has become a realistic proposition and a major task

“三大体系”建设已成为现实命题和重大任务

The specific objectives of constructing the disciplinary system, academic system, and discourse system each have their own emphases, yet together they constitute an inseparable internal unity. Viewed from the historical process of our Party advancing theoretical innovation and conducting theoretical creation, the construction of the “three systems” has its historical origins.

学科体系、学术体系、话语体系建设的具体目标各有侧重，同时构成一个密不可分的内在统一体。从我们党推进理论创新、进行理论创造的历史进程来看，“三大体系”建设有其历史渊源。

As early as 1938, during the early stage of the War of Resistance Against Japan, Comrade Mao Zedong, when discussing “study” in *The Role of the Chinese Communist Party in the National War*, clearly stated: “To make Marxism concrete in China, so that in every one of its manifestations it acquires the necessary Chinese characteristics, that is, to apply it in accordance with China’s characteristics, has become a problem that the whole Party must understand and urgently solve. Foreign stereotypes must be abolished, empty abstract tunes must be sung less, and dogmatism must be laid to rest, to be replaced by a fresh, lively Chinese style and Chinese manner that the common people of China love to see and hear.” [1]1 Mao Zedong, “The Role of the Chinese Communist Party in the National War,” *Selected Works of Mao Zedong*, Vol. 2, p. 534. The War of Resistance Against Japan (1937–1945) was China’s national war against Japanese invasion. The “Chinese characteristics,” “China’s characteristics,” and “Chinese style and Chinese manner” mentioned here demonstrate the Chinese Communists’ confidence in fine traditional Chinese culture and in the Chinese national spirit. Two points need emphasis here: first, “to make Marxism concrete in China” refers to combining the basic principles of Marxism with China’s specific realities to make new generalizations; second, “in every one of its manifestations it acquires the necessary Chinese characteristics” is by no means a vague statement. Comrade Mao Zedong attached great importance to the practical and theoretical significance of this exposition, promoted its implementation in all anti-Japanese base areas under the Party’s leadership, and made it an important ideological guide for our Party in advancing theoretical innovation and conducting theoretical creation.

早在1938年全面抗战初期，毛泽东同志在《中国共产党在民族战争中的地位》中讲到“学习”问题时就明确提出：“使马克思主义在中国具体化，使之在其每一表现中带着必须有的中国的特性，即是说，按照中国的特点去应用它，成为全党亟待了解并亟须解决的问题。洋八股必须废止，空洞抽象的调头必须少唱，教条主义必须休息，而代之以新鲜活泼的、为中国老百姓所喜闻乐见的中国作风和中国气派。”这里说的“中国的特性”“中国的特点”“中国作风和中国气派”，表明了中国共产党人对于中华优秀传统文化的自信，对于中华民族精神的自信。这里有两点需要加以强调：一是“使马克思主义在中国具体化”，说的是把马克思主义基本原理同中国具体实际相结合而作出新的概括；二是“在其每一表现中带着必须有的中国的特性”绝非泛泛而论，毛泽东同志对这一论述的现实意义和理论意义高度重视，推动其在党领导的各抗日根据地贯彻落实，成为我们党推进理论创新、进行理论创造的重要思想指导。

After the founding of New China, especially since reform and opening up, socialist modernization has flourished, the demand for academic theory has grown continuously, and the construction of the “three systems” has gradually become a realistic proposition and a major task entrusted by the times. General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out: “We must follow the thinking of basing ourselves on China, drawing on foreign experience, mining history, grasping the present, caring for humanity, and facing the future, and strive to build philosophy and social sciences with Chinese characteristics, fully embodying Chinese characteristics, Chinese style, and Chinese manner in terms of guiding ideology, disciplinary system, academic system, and discourse system.” [2]2 Xi Jinping, “Speech at a Symposium on Philosophy and Social Sciences,” May 17, 2016. The construction of the “three systems” has become the historical mission and task of the times facing workers in philosophy and social sciences in the New Era.

新中国成立后尤其是改革开放以来，社会主义现代化建设蓬勃发展，对学术理论的需要不断增长，“三大体系”建设渐渐成为现实的命题和时代赋予的重大任务。习近平总书记指出：“要按照立足中国、借鉴国外，挖掘历史、把握当代，关怀人类、面向未来的思路，着力构建中国特色哲学社会科学，在指导思想、学科体系、学术体系、话语体系等方面充分体现中国特色、中国风格、中国气派。”“三大体系”建设成为新时代中国哲学社会科学工作者面临的历史使命和时代任务。

The construction of the disciplinary system has strategic significance

学科体系建设具有战略意义

Promoting the construction of a disciplinary system for philosophy and social sciences with Chinese characteristics has important strategic significance. Viewed from the overall situation of the disciplinary system, the construction of the disciplinary system is a rational classification of disciplines formed according to the needs of social development and the interests of the state. It is holistic and integral, possessing both reality and foresight, and develops dialectically in the organic unity of stability and change. This is the starting point for doing a good job in constructing the disciplinary system.

推进中国特色哲学社会科学学科体系建设具有重要战略意义。从学科体系的全局来看，学科体系建设是根据社会发展需求和国家利益等的需要而形成的合理的学科门类，是全局性的、整体性的，具有现实性和前瞻性，在稳定和变动的有机统一中辩证发展，这是做好学科体系建设的出发点。

Promoting the construction of a disciplinary system for philosophy and social sciences with Chinese characteristics requires evaluating and coordinating the overall disciplinary system to adapt it to social development and scientific progress. This overall pattern of the disciplinary system aims to facilitate mutual reference and cross-fertilization among disciplines, promote interdisciplinary research, advocate a “grand discipline” awareness, and enhance the overall consciousness and interdisciplinary awareness of workers in philosophy and social sciences regarding the construction of the disciplinary system. This will benefit researchers in various specific disciplines in conducting their own research work. For example, in the field of history, Li Dazhao, in his book *Outline of Historiography*, discussed the connections between history and six major categories of knowledge, emphasizing the relationship between history and literature, philosophy, and sociology, which offers much inspiration. [3]3 Li Dazhao (1889–1927) was a co-founder of the Chinese Communist Party and a pioneer of Marxist historiography in China. Another example is the *Introduction to Historiography* edited by Bai Shouyi, which points out the trend of history strengthening ties with other disciplines, regarding philosophy, archaeology, ethnology, geography, as well as astronomy, geology, and paleoanthropology, as “sister disciplines” of history, revealing that with historical development and social progress, the connections between disciplines naturally change. [4]4 Bai Shouyi (1909–2000) was a prominent Chinese historian, known for his work on general Chinese history and the history of historiography.

推进中国特色哲学社会科学学科体系建设，需要对全局性学科体系做好评估、协调，使之适应社会的发展和科学的进步。这个全局性的学科体系格局，以有利于各学科的相互借鉴、交叉，促进跨学科研究为诉求，旨在倡导一种“大学科”意识，提高哲学社会科学工作者关于学科体系建设的全局意识和学科交叉意识。这将有益于各个具体学科的研究者做好自身的研究工作。举例来说，在历史学科方面，李大钊在《史学要论》一书中，论述了历史学与六大类学问都有关联，强调历史学与文学、哲学、社会学的关系，给人很多启发。又如白寿彝主编的《史学概论》指出史学跟其他学科加强联系的趋势，把哲学、考古学、民族学、地理学以及天文学、地质学、古人类学等学科视为历史学的“姐妹学科”，揭示了随着历史的发展、社会的进步，学科之间的关联自然发生变化。

The construction of the academic system focuses on reflecting disciplinary characteristics

学术体系建设重在反映学科特色

The academic system is the intermediate link in the construction of the “three systems.” The nature and tasks of a discipline determine and guide the construction of the academic system, among which the theoretical system of scholarship is the most important. The greatest inspiration from the study of Chinese historiography since the 20th century is that the combination of historical materialism with China’s historical reality is the correct path for constructing the theoretical system of history. We should continue to make efforts in this direction and achieve new accomplishments.

学术体系是“三大体系”建设的中间环节，学科的性质和任务规定并引导着学术体系建设，其中以学术的理论体系最为重要。20世纪以来的中国史学史研究给我们最大的启示是：唯物史观与中国历史实际相结合，是历史学理论体系建设的正确路径。我们应在这方面继续努力，作出新的成绩。

The academic system should be based on the overall and holistic disciplinary system, mainly expounding on the research object, research purpose, guiding ideology, research methods, interrelationships among various sub-disciplines, and the position of the discipline in society, thereby forming the discipline’s own academic system. For example, Chinese history takes the study of China’s historical process and developmental laws as its object, highlights the achievements of Chinese civilization and its contributions to human civilization, summarizes historical experiences and lessons for contemporary reference, and demonstrates its important position in society. Guided by Marxist historical materialism, adhering to the principle of seeking truth from facts, it employs methods such as class analysis, historicism, the combination of documentary materials and archaeological findings, and comparative research to “restore” historical truth or strive to reveal it. Its research value lies in: first, providing reference for all social sciences, indicating that “historical research is the foundation of all social sciences”; [5]5 This phrase is a well-known dictum in Chinese academic discourse, often attributed to various sources emphasizing the foundational role of history. second, providing historical experience and historical wisdom for people in real life. This academic system of the discipline of Chinese history demonstrates its backbone momentum in scholarship. For instance, the theoretical issues discussed in Volume 1, *Introduction*, of *The General History of China* edited by Bai Shouyi include: unified multi-ethnic history; geographical conditions of historical development; human factors, science and technology, and social productive forces; relations of production and class relations; the state and law; social ideology; historical theory and historical documents; historical genres and historical literature; China and the world. [6]6 *The General History of China* (Zhongguo tongshi), edited by Bai Shouyi, is a major multi-volume work published from the 1980s onward. A comprehensive view of these headings allows one to feel the coordinated unity of its internal momentum and external pattern. The appendix to the *Introduction*, “346 Questions on Twelve Aspects of Chinese History,” constructs the academic system of Chinese history from a broader scope. *The General History of China*, in 12 volumes and 22 books, with Volumes 3–12 each containing introductory remarks, overviews, monographic treatises, and biographies, also displays the academic system of Chinese history. The academic system of the discipline of Chinese history constructed by this work from different perspectives—theoretical exposition, historical compilation, and macro-historical thinking—has much worth referencing and learning from.

学术体系当以全局的、整体的学科体系为基础，主要阐述本学科的研究对象、研究目的、指导思想、研究方法、各分支学科的相互关系以及本学科在社会中的位置等问题，形成本学科自身的学术体系。比如，中国史以研究中国历史进程和发展规律为对象，凸显中华文明的成就及其对人类文明的贡献，总结历史上的经验教训为今人作参考，彰显其在社会中的重要位置；它以马克思主义唯物史观为指导，以实事求是为基本原则，运用阶级分析、历史主义、文献资料与考古学成果相结合的方法以及比较研究的方法进行研究，“还原”历史真相或努力揭示历史真相。其研究价值在于：一是为一切社会科学提供借鉴，表明“历史研究是一切社会科学的基础”；二是为现实生活中的人们提供历史经验和历史智慧。中国史学科的这一学术体系，展现了它在学术上的中坚气势。如白寿彝主编的《中国通史》第1卷《导论》所论列的几个理论问题，即：统一的多民族的历史；历史发展的地理条件；人的因素，科学技术和社会生产力；生产关系和阶级关系；国家和法；社会意识形态；历史理论和历史文献；史书体裁和历史文学；中国与世界。统观这些标目，能让人感受到其内在气势和外在格局的协调统一。《导论》附录的《中国历史上的十二个方面346个问题》，从更广阔的范围构建出中国史的学术体系。《中国通史》凡12卷22册，其中3—12卷各含序说、综述、典志、传记，也展现出中国史的学术体系。该书在理论阐述、历史编撰、宏观历史思考三个层面，从不同视角构建的中国史学科的学术体系，有许多值得参考、借鉴之处。

The construction of the discourse system demonstrates the vitality of academic frontiers

话语体系建设展现学术前沿活力

The construction of the discourse system is a manifestation of the vitality of academic frontiers. This is because the research conducted under the guidance of the academic theoretical system and the research results obtained need to be disseminated to society through a discourse system linked to this theoretical system, thereby realizing the tasks and objectives of the discipline and, to a certain extent, meeting the current and even long-term needs of society. This is where the importance of what is often called “discourse power” lies.

话语体系建设是学术前沿活力的呈现，这是因为：在学术理论体系指导下进行的研究及其所取得的研究成果，需要通过与这一理论体系相联系的话语体系传播于社会，从而实现学科的任务和目标，并在一定程度上满足社会当前乃至长远的需要。这就是人们常说的“话语权”重要之所在。

In this sense, the construction of the discourse system is a more specific and complex link. This is because the discourse system is closely related to the concepts, ideas, and even common academic terms that people habitually use. It should be pointed out that due to differences in the nature and tasks of various disciplines, they also have their own characteristics in academic discourse. However, similar disciplines may also have commonalities and naturally share some common discourses. It can be said that “discourse” is closely related not only in people’s thinking but also in their psychology, emotions, and even practice.

从这个意义上说，话语体系建设是更具体也更复杂的环节。这是因为，话语体系同人们惯用的概念、观念以至于一般学术术语都有密切关系。需要指出的是，各学科因性质、任务的不同，在学术话语方面也各有特色。但相近的学科也会存在相通之处，自有一些共同的话语。可以这样说，“话语”不仅在人们思想上而且在人们心理上、感情上以至于实践上，都有十分密切的关联。

Chinese historiography has a long history and the characteristic of continuous development, possessing a rich historical heritage that provides abundant resources for the construction of the contemporary Chinese historical academic discourse system. Specifically, in terms of historical concepts, important notions include "the relationship between Heaven and man," "circumstances, trends, principles, and the Way," "exhaustion and change leading to continuity," "examining antiquity," "adapting to the times," "people-oriented," and "human-centered." In terms of historiographical concepts, important notions include "events, writing, and meaning," "talent, learning, and insight," "facts, praise and blame, and literary grace," "straight writing versus crooked writing," "collecting materials and narration," "discernment and exploration," "synthesis and periodization," "historiographical method and historiographical intent," "historical virtue and mental disposition," "recording and composition," "trustworthy history and practical application," and so on. These concepts have been long transmitted and widely applied in Chinese historiography. Some of them can be integrated into contemporary historical development through creative transformation and innovative development, combining with Marxist historiography to further highlight Chinese characteristics, Chinese style, and Chinese manner.

中国史学具有悠久的历史和连续发展的特点，拥有厚重的史学遗产，为当今中国史学术话语体系建设提供了丰富的资源。具体来说，在历史观念方面，如“天人之际”“时势理道”“穷变通久”“稽古”“随时”“民本”“人本”等，都是重要的概念。在史学观念方面，如“事、文、义”“才、学、识”“事实、褒贬、文采”“直书与曲笔”“采撰与叙事”“鉴识与探赜”“会通与断代”“史法与史意”“史德与心术”“记注与撰述”“信史与致用”等，都是重要的概念。这些概念在中国史学上长久地传承和广泛地运用，其中有些可以通过创造性转化和创新性发展而融入当今史学发展之中，与马克思主义史学相结合，进一步彰显中国特色、中国风格、中国气派。

It should be emphasized that in the construction of the discourse system, especially in terms of national character and inheritance, we must have a stronger sense of consciousness and confidence. The application of the discourse system is a manifestation of the vitality of the academic frontier. This also means that the construction of the discourse system is a heavy responsibility and a long road ahead.

应当强调的是，在话语体系建设上，尤其是在民族性、继承性方面，我们要有更加强烈的自觉和自信。话语体系的运用，是学术前沿活力的呈现。这也就意味着，话语体系建设任重而道远。

The construction of the "three major systems" [7]7 The "three major systems" refers to the disciplinary system, academic system, and discourse system of philosophy and social sciences with Chinese characteristics, a concept promoted by the Chinese Communist Party to strengthen China's intellectual frameworks. is a grand undertaking that requires both a broad vision and meticulous effort. The vast number of philosophy and social science workers must shoulder a lofty mission, push it forward solidly, and use the construction of the "three major systems" to advance philosophy and social sciences with Chinese characteristics into the future.

“三大体系”建设是一项宏伟事业，既要有宏大气魄，又要下细致功夫。广大哲学社会科学工作者要肩负起崇高使命，扎扎实实地将其向前推进，以“三大体系”建设推动中国特色哲学社会科学走向未来。

Online editor: Paul

网络编辑：保罗