Social Sciences in China (Chinese Edition)

No.7, 2013

The Utopian Spirit and a Defence of Philosophical Legitimacy

(Abstract)

 

He Lai

 

The Utopian spirit is a peculiar spiritual trait of philosophy. But it faces grim challenges in modern Western philosophy. The criticism, negation and suspicion of the Utopian spirit is a prominent phenomenon in modern Western philosophy. In order to save the Utopian spirit of philosophy, it is necessary to overcome the internal conflict between the metaphysical way of thinking in Western tradition and the Utopian spirit of philosophy, and to reestablish the relationship between philosophy and the living existence of real man. The Utopian spirit of philosophy is deeply embedded in the living existence of man: it embodies man’s self-understanding and self-consciousness, and reflects man’s comprehension and aspiration about his existence and development, forming an irreplaceable intellectual force that drives man toward freedom and liberation. Founded on the living existence of real man, the Utopian spirit of philosophy will truly shake off the shackles of the metaphysical way of thinking, and establish as its core concepts the pursuit of non-present hopes in the future and the “anti-idol” reflection and criticism. The contemporary legitimacy of philosophy can thus be defended in a profound and powerful way.