Legal and Social Sciences (Volume 1)

Author: Su Li, Editor-in-Chief
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-05-01
Features: We hope to participate in the historical transformation of Chinese academia and more specifically, to promote the historical transformation of legal studies in terms of knowledge types. We will strive to advance empirical and positivist research in law, interdisciplinary studies between law and various social sciences related to labor and social security, as well as research centered on Chinese issues.
The author believes that the humanities in Chinese society are undergoing the most significant transformation since the pre-Qin period. The primary driving force behind this shift is the development of Chinese society, which has led to changes in societal demands, as academia is ultimately influenced by the academic market, particularly societal needs. This transformation presents a major challenge to Chinese academia. First, it is essential to more vigorously promote the development of social sciences, which is undeniably necessary. Second, humanities must also undergo appropriate adjustments and cannot merely repeat tradition, as traditional literary and philosophical studies were always targeted and often pragmatic, whether in Confucianism, Legalism, military studies, or even in this regard. It must be emphasized that this transformation is possible. However, it is important to note that one must not pander to trends or package traditional humanities research with fashionable terminology. Instead, a fundamental transformation is required. Third, it is crucial to emphasize empiricism. While certain aspects of traditional humanities can be learned, modern social science research methods, including statistical analysis and game theory, must be given greater attention. One must not always discuss macro-level concepts, propose grand ideas, or introduce new terms without verification. Instead, it is necessary to combine the macro and micro, theory and practice, or "history" and "argumentation." This will be a long process and may cause many of us great distress, feeling as though we have lost our place. But in my view, this is a necessity driven by societal development.