Ouyang Kang: Accelerating the Construction of an Independent Knowledge System of Chinese Philosophy—Calls of the Times, Theoretical Connotation, Innovative Qualities, and World Significance
Accelerating the construction of an autonomous knowledge system for Chinese philosophy is both an urgent call for accelerating Chinese-path modernization and the realization of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, as well as the mission of our era for China's philosophical workers. In his "May 17" important speech [1], General Secretary Xi Jinping proposed the requirement to build a philosophy and social sciences with Chinese characteristics. During his inspection of Renmin University of China, he further emphasized that "accelerating the construction of a philosophy and social sciences with Chinese characteristics, in the final analysis, is the construction of a Chinese autonomous knowledge system," explicitly setting forth the important task of constructing an autonomous knowledge platform for Chinese philosophy and social sciences. Currently, as changes unseen in a century accelerate their evolution and Chinese-path modernization enters a critical period of full-scale exertion, accelerating the construction of this autonomous knowledge system serves as a call of the times to advance the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. It is an inevitable requirement for our Party to promote innovation in theory and practice, and a major strategic measure to manifest Chinese wisdom during the contemporary transitional period of human civilization; its significance is paramount.
The Call of the Times to Construct an Autonomous Knowledge System for Chinese Philosophy
The era is the soil for ideological transformation, and practice is the source of theoretical innovation. Constructing an autonomous knowledge system for Chinese philosophy is an inevitable choice based on China’s national conditions, responding to the questions of history and the questions of our era, and promoting theoretical and practical innovation.
From the perspective of historical positioning, Chinese-path modernization has creatively absorbed various positive elements of human civilization and combined socialism with modernization on Chinese soil. It is the most grand and unique practice of autonomous innovation in human history to date. Since the 18th CPC National Congress, the practice of Chinese-path modernization has achieved historical accomplishments and undergone historical transformations, creating the "two miracles" [2] of rapid economic development and long-term social stability, successfully solving many difficult problems in world modernization and human social development. Simultaneously, we face new challenges such as unbalanced and inadequate development, insufficient capacity for scientific and technological self-reliance, and the need to further strengthen the construction of cultural confidence. The major theoretical puzzles and practical challenges faced by contemporary China in its practice urgently require contemporary Chinese philosophy to provide more solid and abundant theoretical support, more scientific methods of thinking, and rational value guidance. Only by accelerating the construction of an autonomous knowledge system can we better summarize Chinese practical experience through Chinese philosophical theory, better respond to and analyze philosophical confusion and ideological demands in the process of Chinese-path modernization, and provide a powerful spiritual impetus and theoretical guidance for the cause of building a strong country and national rejuvenation.
From the perspective of the global landscape, the world today is undergoing changes unseen in a century. Unilateralism and hegemonism are on the rise; trends such as the "end of history" [3] and the "clash of civilizations" are spreading; and the inherent flaws of the Western modernization model are becoming increasingly prominent. Humanity stands at a new crossroads. General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out that "civilizations are diverse because of exchange and rich because of mutual learning." Constructing an autonomous knowledge system for Chinese philosophy is the only way for our philosophy and social sciences to move beyond a long-standing "apprentice mentality," break the monopoly of Western knowledge systems, rid ourselves of path dependency on Western theories, and manifest the "self-assertion" of Chinese philosophy. It is also an important scholarly support for promoting exchange and mutual learning between civilizations and building a community with a shared future for humanity. By refining original philosophical theories and identifying philosophical concepts with Chinese characteristics, Chinese style, and Chinese spirit [4], we can allow the world to better understand the Chinese path and provide Chinese solutions for solving systemic global problems such as development, security, civilization, and governance.
From the perspective of theoretical horizons, the Communist Party of China has always persisted in combining the basic tenets of Marxism with China’s specific realities and with China’s fine traditional culture ("the two combinations"). It has continuously promoted theoretical innovation, forming a series of achievements in Sinicized Marxism. Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era is contemporary Chinese Marxism and twenty-first-century Marxism. For many years, our country has implemented the Marxist Theory Research and Construction Project, achieving extremely fruitful results. In November 2024, General Secretary Xi Jinping made important instructions on the Marxist Theory Research and Construction Project in the New Era, explicitly requiring us "to persist in the 'two combinations,' take root in Chinese soil, continue the Chinese cultural lineage, and deepen academic foundations. We must deeply study the major issues in the practice of comprehensively promoting the building of a strong country and the great cause of national rejuvenation through Chinese-path modernization, and accelerate the construction of an autonomous knowledge system for Chinese philosophy and social sciences." This means that the Marxist theoretical research and innovation project has entered a new stage, pointing the way forward and providing a fundamental follow-through for constructing an autonomous knowledge system for Chinese philosophy, marking a new height in our Party's understanding of the laws governing the development of philosophical theory.
Theoretical Connotations of the Autonomous Knowledge System for Chinese Philosophy
Constructing an autonomous knowledge system for Chinese philosophy should take Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era as its fundamental guide. It must persist in the "two combinations," be based on Chinese practice, inherit the Chinese cultural lineage, and learn from the outstanding achievements of human civilization. It must connect the "soul-vein" (hunmai) with the "root-vein" (genmai) and maintain the unity of theory and practice.
First, we must persist in the guiding position of the Party’s innovative theories and solidify the foundation of the "soul-vein" [5]. In constructing an autonomous knowledge system for Chinese philosophy, the primary task is to persist in the guidance of the Party’s innovative theories, ensuring that Marxism—this "soul-vein"—runs through every field, aspect, and process. General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized that "Marxism is the fundamental guiding ideology upon which our Party and country are founded and thrive." To build this system, we must first persist in the guiding position of Marxism, uphold the fundamentals and break new ground, and use Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era as a leader, deeply integrating Marxist stances, viewpoints, and methods into every link of the system. The "Six Must-Persists" [6], as the worldview and methodology of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, provide the fundamental thinking framework and scientific methodological guidance for the construction of this autonomous knowledge system.
Second, we must promote the creative transformation and innovative development of China’s fine traditional culture, strengthening the status of the "root-vein." China’s fine traditional culture is the "root-vein" of the autonomous knowledge system and its deepest cultural foundation. General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out that "China’s fine traditional culture is the spiritual lifeblood of the Chinese nation, an important source for nourishing the Core Socialist Values, and the solid foundation upon which we stand firm amidst the turbulence of world cultures." The Chinese civilization, spanning over five thousand years, contains rich and profound philosophical wisdom. Concepts such as "the people as the foundation of the state" (min wei bang ben), "harmony between heaven and humanity" (tian ren he yi), "self-strengthening without cease" (zi qiang bu xi), and "holding the world with great virtue" (hou de zai wu) [7] are inherently compatible with Marxist stances, viewpoints, and methods. They provide deep cultural nourishment and intellectual resources for the autonomous knowledge system. We must deeply excavate the contemporary value of traditional Chinese philosophy to ensure it becomes the profound bedrock of the system.
Finally, we must promote the integration and mutual learning of "China, the West, and Marxism" (zhong, xi, ma) [8], strengthening an open mindset and learning through reference. For a long time, China's philosophical system has formed a development pattern in which Marxist philosophy, Chinese philosophy, and Western philosophy coexist and interact. In building an autonomous knowledge system, we must not only persist in Marxism as the guide to protect the "soul-vein" and take root in tradition to strengthen the "root-vein," but also continue to use an open academic horizon, inclusive academic spirit, and rational critical attitude to actively draw on the valid achievements of Western philosophy. We should strengthen international academic exchange, reinforce philosophical research on international issues, promote the internal integration of Chinese, Western, and Marxist traditions, and strengthen the subjectivity of Chinese culture within Western philosophical studies, continuing to "make the past serve the present" and "make the foreign serve China" under new contemporary conditions.
Innovative Characteristics of the Autonomous Knowledge System for Chinese Philosophy
Chinese-path modernization carries the contemporary themes and spirit of modern China; it is the practical basis and core content of the autonomous knowledge system for Chinese philosophy. The original theories, identifying concepts, and unique "Six Perspectives" of Chinese-path modernization fully demonstrate the autonomy and innovativeness of Chinese philosophy, driving innovation in its disciplinary, academic, and discourse systems.
Compared with the modernization of other countries, Chinese-path modernization has both common features and distinctive Chinese characteristics. Chinese-path modernization has broken the myth that "modernization = Westernization," shaken the dominant position of Western modernization models and theories, and painted a new picture of modernization, greatly enriching and developing Marxist modernization theory and socialist theory. General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out that "the summary and in-depth elaboration of the theory of Chinese-path modernization is a major theoretical innovation of the 20th National Congress and the latest major achievement of scientific socialism." This theory clarifies five characteristics and nine essential requirements, scientifically answering the major question of our time: "What kind of a strong socialist modern power should we build, and how should we build it?" This constitutes the vital original content of the autonomous knowledge system.
Identifying concepts [9] are a crucial part of the autonomous knowledge system and a clear manifestation of the uniqueness of Chinese philosophy and social science theory. "New quality productive forces," "whole-process people's democracy," "a community with a shared future for humanity," and "Chinese-path modernization" are all original theories and identifying concepts refined during the process of Chinese-path modernization. They are deeply rooted in Chinese practice and reflect Chinese reality while also containing universal truths and common values for human social development. They are distinctive symbols of the autonomous knowledge system and provide an important window for the world to better understand and enter into China.
The unique world outlook, values, view of history, view of civilization, view of democracy, and ecological view (the "Six Perspectives") inherent in Chinese-path modernization constitute the philosophical core of the autonomous knowledge system. These "Six Perspectives" are scientific theories and advanced thoughts, as well as profound culture and living philosophy, possessing salient original significance. In terms of world outlook, this is concentrated in the "Six Must-Persists," providing scientific guidance for understanding and transforming the world. Regarding values, the principle of "people centeredness" (renmin zhi shang) is highlighted. In the view of history, a "large-scale view of history" (da lishi guan) is maintained to grasp the laws of human and Chinese social development. Regarding civilization, it advocates the coordinated development of the "five civilizations" (material, political, spiritual, social, and ecological), promoting holistic civilizational progress. Regarding democracy, it practices whole-process people's democracy to ensure the people are masters of the country. In the ecological view, it pursues the harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature, manifesting the concept of sustainable development.
The World Significance of Constructing an Autonomous Knowledge System for Chinese Philosophy
Constructing an autonomous knowledge system for Chinese philosophy not only serves the practice of Chinese-path modernization and promotes China's economic and social development but also contributes Chinese wisdom and strength to the progress of human civilization, carrying profound and broad global significance. General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out that "the Communist Party of China is a party that seeks happiness for the Chinese people and rejuvenation for the Chinese nation, and it is also a party that seeks progress for humanity and the common good for the world." This autonomous system is a vivid manifestation of the CPC's concept of "having the whole world in mind" (huai qia tian xia) and serves as an important philosophical bridge for dialogue between China and the rest of the world.
On a global scale, constructing this system helps break the long-standing monopoly of Western philosophical knowledge systems, promotes a diversified development of human philosophical knowledge, and injects new philosophical paradigms into human civilizational progress. Concepts such as "Great Harmony under Heaven" (tian xia da tong), "harmony among all nations" (xie he wan bang), and "mutual benefit and win-win results" [10] are highly consistent with the community with a shared future for humanity. They provide scientific philosophical guidance and feasible methods for solving global problems like climate change, wealth polarization, civilizational conflict, and public health security. Simultaneously, the rich practical experience of Chinese-path modernization and the valuable theoretical results of the autonomous system—through the Belt and Road Initiative, BRICS cooperation mechanisms, and "Global South" cooperation—provide new directions for thought and choices of paths for other developing countries. This helps them explore their own modernization paths, strengthens international fairness and justice, and promotes the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.
Constructing an autonomous knowledge system for Chinese philosophy should always maintain an attitude of openness and inclusiveness. While firming up confidence in Chinese culture and adhering to the path of socialist modernization with Chinese characteristics, we must respect the civilizations of all countries and different development models. China advocates common human values such as peace, development, fairness, justice, democracy, and freedom. The Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, Global Civilization Initiative, and Global Governance Initiative proposed by General Secretary Xi Jinping all possess profound philosophical connotations. In the process of exchange and mutual learning, we can not only enrich the global horizon and human values of Chinese philosophy's autonomous knowledge system but also provide rich intellectual resources for the contemporary development of world philosophy, contributing to the epochal advancement of global philosophical thought.