Abstract:

This paper explores how Fei Xiaotong, through his own academic practice, laid the foundation for constructing an independent system of knowledge for Chinese sociology. Against the backdrop of developing a philosophy and social sciences with Chinese characteristics in current time, reviewing Fei Xiaotong's academic journey holds significant enlightenment implications. Fei Xiaotong's scholarly path began with a broad engagement in and deep reflection upon both Chinese and Western intellectual traditions. He consistently grounded his work in the realities of Chinese society, rejecting parasitic scholarship pursued solely "for its own sake", and established instead the scholarly aspiration of "enriching the people" and the research methodology of "seeking knowledge from reality". His outstanding contributions include a series of original concepts with universal explanatory power. For instance, the idea of "differential mode of association" profoundly reveals the characteristics of Chinese social structure, and the concept of the "pluralistic and integrated pattern of the Chinese nation" provides a theoretical framework for understanding ethnic relations. During the period of restoring and rebuilding sociology in China, Fei Xiaotong emphasized the necessity of adhering to Marxist guidance and closely integrating sociological research with China's social realities, thereby laying the groundwork for a sociology that serves the nation. Fei Xiaotong's academic practice demonstrates that constructing an independent system of knowledge for Chinese sociology requires being rooted in local conditions while engaging with the world, achieving scholarly self-awareness on the basis of cultural self-awareness.

Key words: Fei Xiaotong, sociology, independent system of knowledge