The Logic of the Development of Chinese Political SciencePerspectives on Methodology and Theory

Adopting dual perspectives of methodology and theory, this paper explores the logic and pathways for the autonomous development of Chinese political science. Currently, the discipline faces certain dilemmas regarding methodological innovation and application, theoretical adaptation and development, and the engagement with historical and contemporary practices. To address these challenges, the paper proposes cultivating "methodological self-awareness" to promote the pluralistic fusion of methods and strengthen causal explanations based on local data. Simultaneously, it advocates for "theoretical autonomy" to take root in Chinese governance practices, construct meso-micro level theories, and revitalize traditional political cultural resources. Building on a clarification of the discipline's goals and tasks, this paper argues for a "problem-oriented" criterion for method selection, "local practice" as the source of theoretical innovation, and "mutual reinforcement between politics and research" as the developmental mechanism. These efforts aim to drive the synergistic convergence of methodology and theory, thereby enabling Chinese political science to both serve the modernization of national governance and contribute universal knowledge to global political science.