On the Translation and Understanding of “Yishixingtai” and “Ideology”

The English word "ideology" cannot be generally translated into "yishixingtai". The original meaning of "ideology" is the science of idea. Regardless of the western historical context, translating it into "yishixingtai" will obscure the discipline meaning of the word. Before Napoleon criticized ideologists, "ideology" was used as a discipline word, and its political meaning had not yet appeared. Therefore, "ideology" appearing in western literature before this time should be translated into "guannianxue" (science of ideas). Whether "yishixingtai" or "guannianxue" after Napoleon's criticism should be determined according to the context of the text. When the political meaning of the word is too heavy, it should be translated into "yishixingtai" and when the discipline meaning is too heavy, it should be translated into "guannianxue".