Fang Keli, Member of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Passes Away
We were shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the unfortunate passing of Mr. Fang Keli, a Member of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), former President of the CASS Graduate School, and Professor.
Mr. Fang Keli was not only a renowned Chinese philosopher who achieved outstanding accomplishments in the fields of Chinese philosophy and the study of modern and contemporary Chinese cultural trends, exerting significant influence in academic circles both at home and abroad. He was, even more so, an excellent member of the Communist Party of China and a steadfast Marxist scholar. He consistently committed himself to using Marxist positions, viewpoints, and methods to research and explore the issues of contemporary Chinese cultural construction. He proposed the correct proposition of "Marxist studies as the soul, Chinese studies as the substance, Western studies for utility [1]; the three streams merging into one; and synthetic innovation." This advanced the Marxist cultural outlook of "synthetic innovation" [2] to a new stage and pointed out the realistic path and direction for the development of contemporary Chinese culture, serving as an important theoretical achievement in Marxist cultural studies.
Since 2005, Mr. Fang Keli served as a Distinguished Research Fellow of our Institute, consistently showing concern for and supporting our development over many years. He provided meticulous guidance for several major research projects undertaken by our Institute, making significant contributions to the improvement of our scientific research level and the growth of our researchers. Mr. Fang Keli was rigorous in his scholarship, enjoyed high prestige for his moral character [3], yet remained approachable and was tireless in teaching others [4]. His erudition, academic style, and moral writings are all deeply respected and admired by all colleagues in our Institute.
As a renowned Chinese philosopher and a leading figure in the Marxist cultural outlook of synthetic innovation, the passing of Mr. Fang Keli is a major loss for the fields of Chinese philosophy and Marxist studies. Our Institute extends our heavy condolences and expresses our deep sympathies to Mr. Fang’s family and friends!
Institute of Marxism Studies, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences April 22, 2020