SPECIAL ISSUE： IMPORTANT ISSUES IN MARXIST PHILOSOPHICAL STUDIES IN CONTEMPORARY CHINA：The issue of style of study in research on Marxist philosophy

Style of study is a fundamental prerequisite for studies of Marxist philosophy. A Marxist way of study requires firstly taking up the standpoint of the masses; secondly, an unwavering attitude of emancipating the mind, seeking truth from facts and progressing with the times; and thirdly, consciously espousing the method of joining theory and practice. Building up Chinese-style socialism is the greatest reality in China and is the locus of the fundamental interest of the mass of the people. It is the requirement and actualization of the principle of ＂emancipating the mind, seeking truth from facts and progressing with the time.＂ It is the historical mission of Marxist philosophical studies to serve the practice of Chinese-style socialism.

On the inherent mechanism of emancipation of the mind

At present, emancipating the mind has changed from a significant movement of ideological and theoretical reform initiated at a special historical moment in human society to an inherent requirement and organic constituent of social development that has been regularized, universalized, routinized and normalized. It is the condensed embodiment of the tension and conflict between the determinate and the creative, the natural and the transcendental in the structure of human existence. Its dynamic and constraining mechanisms are specifically manifested as the tension and conflict between innovative and conservative ideas, open and closed ways of thinking, and modern and traditional cultural patterns. In the course of a new emancipation of our thinking, we should not only actively promote specific emancipation of the mind on every level and in every sphere, but also highlight the establishment of mechanisms and institutions for such emancipation, and especially the formation of a mechanism for cultural innovation. We must create an institutional culture that respects different ideas; establish a mindset that is open, tolerant, creative and cherishes difference; and cultivate a cultural model that respects individuality and innovation.

On continuing to emancipate the mind

Emancipating the mind is a magic weapon for developing socialism with Chinese characteristics. The unity between emancipating the mind and seeking truth from facts and the unity between the guidance of Marxism and theoretical innovation underlie its three features： the objective or scientific principle, the innovative or progressive principle and the principle of affinity with the people or the principle of Party spirit. Emancipating the mind is, in essence, a question of how to put this into practice. In persisting in emancipating the mind we must make efforts to eliminate interference from both ＂Left＂ and Right ideologies.

Reform and opening up are a powerful motive force for developing socialism with Chinese characteristics

The history of China＇s reform and opening up are at the same time the history of the theoretical exploration of the Sinicization of Marxism. The in-depth movement of emancipating the mind represents a great leap ahead for both the practice and the theory of socialism with Chinese characteristics. The great practice of three decades of reform and opening up has given us a store of valuable historical experience and provided a practical and scientific foundation for the theoretical system of socialism with Chinese characteristics. Reform and opening up are a tremendous impetus to socialism with Chinese characteristics. To adhere to this theoretical system is in effect to adhere to the viewpoint of the emancipation of the mind, seeking truth from facts and the productive forces criterion, as well as to the scientific concept of development and the correct outlook on reform. Taking this theoretical system as our guide is of the utmost importance for further reform and opening up and the development of socialism with Chinese characteristics.