Abstract: Psychology, as a scientific discipline that investigates mental phenomena, plays a fundamental role in shaping human behavior and reflects broader social realities, cultural patterns, and modes of production. It is therefore one of the core disciplines underpinning the development of philosophy and the social sciences. Establishing an autonomous philosophy and social sciences system with Chinese characteristics calls for a solid advancement of a psychological knowledge system rooted in China’s unique context. This paper outlines the necessity of establishing a Chinese-characterized psychological knowledge system from three key perspectives: The intrinsic needs of disciplinary development, the imperative to address major national demands, and the necessity of implementing the creative transformation and innovative development of fine traditional culture and integrating the basic tenets of Marxism with China’s specific realities and with its fine traditional culture. It further illustrates that the discipline is well positioned for this endeavor, drawing upon four major foundations: A relatively complete disciplinary structure and talent training system, extensive contributions to national priorities, cutting-edge research that advances the global academic frontier, and longstanding efforts toward the Sinicization of psychological research. Finally, the paper proposes six pathways for implementation: Building upon the universal knowledge system of international psychology; aligning with national strategic needs; focusing on breakthroughs in frontier issues; grounding research in China’s fine traditional culture; adhering to dialectical materialism to modernize research methodologies; and fostering a high-quality journal matrix and policy advisory platform to support the knowledge system.

Key words: psychology, autonomous psychological knowledge system, major national demands, China’s fine traditional culture