The Subjectivity, Core Issues and Major Approaches of Chinese Historical Research

Social Sciences in China Review

No.3, 2018

The Subjectivity, Core Issues and Major Approaches of Chinese Historical Research（Abstract）

Lu Xiqi

The subjectivity of Chinese historical research is reflected in the questions of “what is the position of the researchers?” “Whose history is to be studied?” and “For whom the study is made?” The positions of Chinese historical researchers mainly include the “national” position, the “world” position and “people” position. The core issues include the following: first, the formation, development and characteristics of Chinese civilization; second, the formation and development of a pluralistic and united China; and third, China’s modern transformation. Chinese historical researchers must “enter” and base their work on realistic and academic “Chinese fields” to carry out their research; they should also have diverse and pluralistic perspectives in making full use of materials, in sorting out narratives, and in offering understanding of Chinese history.