Social Sciences in China (Chinese Edition)

No. 8, 2022

 

The Underlying Role of Traditional Chinese Culture in the Uniquely Chinese Path toward Modernization

(Abstract)

 

Shen Xiangping

 

Tradition and modernization are not dichotomy in the uniquely Chinese path to modernization; on the contrary, the latter constitutes one of the important underpinnings for the latter. Chinese traditional culture, which can provide inspiration for solving the major problems of the Western-style modernization and crises facing mankind, is one of the key logics for the Chinese path in sublating (aufheben) and transcending the Western one. The essence of traditional Chinese culture is, in Zhu Xi’s words, zhongheweiyu, ansuosuisheng(let the states of equilibrium and harmony exist in perfection, and a happy order will prevail throughout heaven and earth, and all things will be nourished and flourish.) The inheritance and development of this theory can be illustrated from these four perspectives: i.e., sheng (生), wei (位), suo (所) and yu (育). This means putting life above everything else and pursuing a beautiful life; correctly handling the relationships in reform and development and guarding against great risks by resolution; everyone being properly placed; a better-life-oriented development. However, the underlying role these ideas played in Chinese path to modernization has yet to be highlighted.