Social Sciences in China (Chinese Edition)

No. 4, 2024

The Historical Logic and Epochal Meaning of Syncretism in Sociology

(Abstract)

Jing Tiankui

The discipline of sociology faces a paradoxical situation characterized by the replacement of diverse theoretical paradigms alongside limitations in the overall explanatory power of the discipline, a phenomenon observed both in the East and the West. The construction of sociology with Chinese characteristics necessitates seeking a solution to this paradox. Qunxue, as a form of classical Chinese sociology, has cultivated a tradition of syncretism throughout its long history. Inheriting and advancing this syncretic tradition can alter the dynamics of interaction between sociological “paradigms,” facilitating their integration and amalgamation in a “syncretic” mode as opposed to their substitution and displacement in a “substitutionary” mode. The histories of academic disciplines have shown that syncretism leads to prosperity, and anti-syncretism leads to decline. “The historical logic of syncretism in sociology,” as the internal logic of Chinese scholarship, is characterized by overlapping renewal, inheriting development, converging transformation and conjoining advancement, and serves as the inspiration for the development of sociology with Chinese characteristics. Syncretism in Chinese sociology aligns with the requirements of the Chinese path to modernization, and can aptly demonstrate its capabilities within the context of the historical opportunity presented by the comprehensive promotion of this path and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.