Some Thoughts Concerning Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences

Abstract

Although Vietnamese social sciences appeared late, it inherited the scientific legacy accompanying with modern research methods popularized by Western research centers that had previously been present in Vietnam, and especially, acquired the wisdom of our ancestors in the thousand-year history of nation building and defense. Over the past 70 years, the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences (VASS) and Vietnamese social science academics have contributed to victories of the resistance wars for national independence and protection of national sovereignty, during the economic transition period to overcome the crisis, as well as in the process of international integration, cultural and human development.

Remarkably in the 70-year history of the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, it has succeeded in training generations of social science researchers and lecturers across the country. Most VASS researchers participate in higher education. People working in the field of social sciences in Vietnam are more or less influenced by the VASS, at least in terms of their research directions, methods or styles. Influences of prestigious foreign social science centers are also considered to be absorbed through the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences. Nearly 70 years ago, valuable works by VASS academics on Vietnamese social sciences, especially toolbooks and works exploiting the wisdom of our ancestors have been published. Several branches of social sciences first appeared in Vietnam initiated by the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences. The level of social science knowledge in Vietnam over the past half century has therefore been largely formed from the VASS as a home to many of the country’s famous scientists.

Although there are certain limitations and the strengths of thinking potential and cultural capital of social sciences team have not been fully exploited, in fact, Vietnamese social sciences are qualified enough to carry out its mission to provide a scientific and practical basis, develop academia and raise people’s knowledge, and promote society to realize the development goals planned for 2030, 2045 and beyond.