The Evolution of Knowledge Systems in Chinese Philosophy and Social Sciences (1990—2022)

Using data from the Chinese Social Sciences Citation Index and its expanded edition from 1990 to 2022,this study examines trends and current developments in the construction of China's philosophy and social sciences knowledge system through three dimensions: new concepts,new theories,and theoretical systems.The study reveals that during this period,the introduction of new concepts and theories in Chinese philosophy and social sciences gradually declined.A progressively expanding conceptual core emerged within the disciplinary conceptual network,with an increasing number of scholars engaging in dialogue with this core.This process signifies a transition from a “soft revolution” phase of borrowing Western concepts and theories to the gradual establishment of core concepts,core conclusions,and stylized facts within Chinese philosophy and social sciences,ultimately forming a stable knowledge system.These macro-level shifts can be explained through endogenous structural factors,exogenous societal influences,and individual behavioral factors.Among these,individual behavior demonstrates the most significant explanatory power: scholars'emulation of successful peers and mimicry of majority scholarly actions effectively account for the overall trend of systematization.