Cultural logic of Marx's philosophical revolution and its implications in modern times

Inflated nationalism, extreme statism and a purely speculative form of expression were the three main components of the modem mainstream culture of the German nation. Only through a scientific critique of these three main components could a new philosophy develop. That is the cultural logic of Marx＇s philosophical revolution, which emerged and developed through a critique of historiography, socialism and political economy, rather than in an isolated framework of traditional philosophy. The cultural logic of Marx＇s philosophical revolution offers two lessons for us in developing Marxist philosophy in China. First, to fail to understand and study Marxism as a whole and conduct dialogue and interaction across all fields of Marxism would be a deviation from the cultural logic of Marx＇s philosophical revolution and the path of development of Marxist philosophy. Second, the core task of Marxist philosophical studies is the Sinicization of Marxist philosophy in China. This involves making methodological summaries of contemporary scientific findings and reflecting upon the most important issues of Chinese-style socialism, providing at the philosophical level and from the perspective of world history a scientific interpretation of the process, mechanisms, characteristics, patterns and trends of contemporary Chinese social development that will yield a guide for practice.

Is the Confucian ethic a hindrance to economic development in China?

Opinions differ among academics concerning the relationship between the Confucian ethic and China’s economic development.This research reveals that the Confucian ethic originated from the practical demand for guaranteeing the smooth operation of households.Later,it developed into a coordinator between the government and individuals,thus bringing about the institutional compromise between the family system and bureaucracy,which is the foundation of the market system specific to China.In the future,the successful development of a market economy will be largely dependent on whether an institutional equilibrium between the government and market forces can be reached,and this will be strongly related to the Confucian ethic.This paper holds that Confucianism involves inherent conflicts between the macro and the micro level.At the macro level,Confucianism sets very high standards for wealth and morals,but at the micro level it pays little attention to how to create wealth.Accordingly,for the ongoing market reform,it is rational to continue introducing Protestant ethics-oriented Western systems since they are more advantageous in terms of increasing wealth accumulation.However,this process lacks stability and inclusiveness and is thus prone to the separation of wealth from morals.This is exactly where Confucianism should step in.This paper concludes that the long separation of wealth accumulation from the Chinese cultural traditions has become the biggest obstacle to China’s economic growth.In the face of intensified social and economic conflicts,the only appropriate option is to revive tradition and root the reform in China’s own cultural soil.