The Contemporary Value of Li Dazhao's Historical Epistemology: Centered on An Outline of Historiography

Abstract

First published in 1924, an Outline of Historiography embodies Li Dazhao's views on historical epistemology, which absorb the essence of traditional Chinese philosophy and the achievements of Western historical philosophy. This paper focuses on the main contents of Li Dazhao's historical epistemology, highlighting three major characteristics: taking historical materialism as the essential core, the macro - historical perspective as the process feature, and dynamic cognition as the dialectical thinking method. The study finds that Li Dazhao's historical epistemology not only provides a useful reference for the development of today's historiography and the construction of history discipline with Chinese characteristics, but also offers philosophical guidance for the shaping of individual outlook on life and the construction of beliefs in human development. By connecting early Marxist historiography with contemporary concerns, this study demonstrates the lasting academic vitality and social significance of Li Dazhao's theoretical heritage.