Recently, important instructions were issued on promoting high-quality development in philosophy and social sciences, placing this endeavor within the overall framework of Chinese-style modernization for systematic planning.
High-quality development is an inevitable requirement of Chinese-style modernization. This is not merely an economic requirement but a general requirement for all aspects of economic and social development, and philosophy and social sciences are no exception.
A major country without an independent system of philosophy and social sciences is like a giant with strong muscles but a brain connected to another’s central nervous system—once ideological collisions or value conflicts occur, it will suffer from coordination disorders and sluggish responses.
In this regard, as early as the 2016 symposium on philosophy and social sciences, the mission and task of accelerating the construction of a Chinese-style philosophy and social sciences system were set forth.
Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, from clarifying the irreplaceable importance of philosophy and social sciences to presiding over the symposium on philosophy and social sciences and attending important meetings such as the cultural inheritance and development symposium, the emphasis on this endeavor has been consistent.
This time, in the important instructions, philosophy and social sciences have been endowed with the new connotation of “high-quality development,” and we increasingly understand the profound considerations behind it:
From a domestic perspective, the current tasks of reform, development, and stability are unprecedentedly heavy, the contradictions, risks, and challenges are numerous, and the tests of governance are severe, all urgently requiring theoretical support from philosophy and social sciences;
From an international perspective, breaking the hegemony of Western discourse and enhancing the country’s cultural soft power and the influence of Chinese culture call for the intellectual wisdom of philosophy and social sciences;
From an academic development perspective, the rapid advancement of new technologies such as artificial intelligence requires philosophy and social sciences to effectively transform technological variables into academic increments.
These new circumstances and challenges urgently require philosophy and social sciences to further transition from “whether they exist” to “whether they are good”—this is the essence of high-quality development.
For high-quality development in philosophy and social sciences, where is “high quality” reflected?
It is reflected in political stance. Only by consistently adhering to the guiding role of Marxism and maintaining the correct political direction can philosophy and social sciences cultivate the foundation and soul for national rejuvenation.
It is reflected in the level of originality. Chinese-style modernization breaks the myth of “modernization equals Westernization,” and philosophy and social sciences must also strive to break the academic dependency on “Western centrism.”
It is reflected in practical value. Genuine insights must be provided in studying and solving major issues of overall, fundamental, and critical importance to the Party and the country.
It is reflected in the international landscape. The global influence of Chinese academia must be continuously enhanced, showcasing Chinese wisdom and contributing Chinese solutions in the mutual learning of civilizations.
Thus, it is easier to understand the systematic deployment made in the important instructions:
“Guided by the thought on socialism with Chinese characteristics for a new era.” In contemporary China, adhering to and developing Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era is truly adhering to and developing Marxism, serving as the scientific guide for high-quality development in philosophy and social sciences.
“Uphold and strengthen the Party’s overall leadership.” Party leadership is the fundamental guarantee for high-quality development. Party committees at all levels must include the work of philosophy and social sciences on their important agendas, promoting a work pattern with unified planning, scientific management, and incentives for innovation.
“Deepen the systematic and theoretical research and interpretation of the Party’s innovative theories.” Systematization determines the breadth of research and interpretation, while theorization highlights the depth, and together they define the height of research and interpretation.
“Accelerate the construction of an independent knowledge system for Chinese philosophy and social sciences.” High-quality development takes innovation as its primary driving force, and building an independent knowledge system is a key innovation in the field of philosophy and social sciences. The “two combinations” must be upheld, extracting Chinese theories and iconic concepts with explanatory power, influence, and appeal, exploring the principles of China from the path of China.
“Better answer the questions of China, the world, the people, and the era.” With this as a coordinate, workers in philosophy and social sciences should base themselves in China, look to the world, care for the people, take on responsibilities, and strive to contribute more wisdom and strength to Chinese-style modernization.
Looking to the future, anchored to the new requirements of high-quality development, the front of philosophy and social sciences will persevere and
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