Page 117 - Journal of Library Science in China, Vol.47, 2021

116 Journal of Library Science in China, Vol.13, 2021

of the archives, the macro theoretical issues in archival management, as well as the basic
[1]
methodology, principles and the evolving history of archival management . The basic theories
of archival science demonstrate the social value of the discipline from the theoretical perspective,
and promote the transformation of the value of archival science from being “implicit” to being
[2]
“explicit” .
The features of the basic theoretical system of archival science are mainly reflected in the
essential attributes, objects and scope, and methodology. The essential attributes include original
recording, value, rule of law and cultural elements. The characteristics of objects and scope are
shown in three aspects: the archival value theory, the principle of provenance and the theory
of records’ life cycle serving as the pillars; grounded on the fundamental issues of archival
science; and composed of theories from relevant and intersected disciplines. The characteristics
of methodology are reflected in the application of epistemology, methods and practice in the
construction of basic theories.
[3]
This paper takes WU Baokang’s definition and classification of theories of archival science
as the key reference for the classification of the basic theoretical system of archival science.
By reviewing the development process, content and practice of the basic theoretical system of
archival science with Chinese characteristics, and in the background of building the disciplinary
system, academic system and discourse system of philosophy and social sciences with Chinese
characteristics, this paper attempts to explore and construct the basic theoretical system of archival
science with Chinese characteristics in the contemporary context.

1 Development process of the basic theoretical system of archival science in
China

Friedrich Engels said, “In every epoch, and therefore also in ours, theoretical thought is a historical
product, which at different times assumes very different forms and, therewith, very different
[4]
contents.” According to that view of Engels, the development process of the basic theoretical
system of archival science with Chinese characteristics is closely related to the development of the
archival undertakings of the Party and the state. Therefore, the identification of key time points
should be based on the major archival events of the Party and the state. Based on the historical
background and social context in the different development stages of archival science in China,
and adopting the paradigm staging approach, this paper summarizes the archival theory, archival
science theory, archival management theory, and archival work theory contained in the basic
theoretical system of archival science with Chinese characteristics, and divides the development
process of the basic theories of archival science in China into the initial stage, the development
stage, and the formation stage.