Social Sciences in China (Chinese Edition)

No. 7, 2022

 

The Plural Mirroring towards Modernity

(Abstract)

 

Wan Junren

 

Plural mirroring towards modernity refers to recognizing the pioneering nature of modern Western civilization while at the same time proposing and arguing for the possibility of a pluralistic creation of modern civilization and “modernity.” By examining the complexity, inherent tensions and contemporary dilemmas of the process of generation and evolution of Western modernity, this article attempts to reveal the basic mechanism of modernity and the many possible paths towards modernity other than “Western modernity,” such as Chinese modernity and its possibility of realization. Economic globalization is the first and the only step towards achieving the goal of “modernity” in human society; any “de-globalization” or “anti-globalization” ideas and behaviors will hinder or even interrupt the process of human society to the ideal goal of “modernity.” History and reality have proved that “building a community with a shared future for mankind” is by far the most suitable concept in terms of explanatory power for humankind to pursue the ideal of “modernity.” It is theoretically and thoroughly superior to the existing “universalism,” “cosmopolitanism” and “globalism,” and is the latest understanding of contemporary Chinese of human modernity.