Formation of history of Chinese philosophy as academic discipline in China

Abstract

Ancient China used traditional systems of classification of knowledge, in which philosophy was not specially separated. Modern word for philosophy - zhexue - appeared in Chinese language only at the beginning of 20th century. Important task for many of Chinese intellectuals of that time was to prove the existence of Chinese philosophy. First special writing in China dedicated to the history of Chinese philosophy was “The History of Chinese Philosophy” by Xie Wuliang.