Every age has its problems. Society can only progress by solving the problems of each era. Throughout history, all outstanding Eastern and Western philosophers have bravely faced issues of their age and tried to find solutions. And by looking back on their ideas, we can detect the pulse of the age. By keeping pace with the times, many well-known philosophical concepts demonstrate the charm of the discipline in their distinctive ways.

Examining contemporary Chinese philosophical study from this angle, we find that much progress has been made, yet there are still disappointments. Some scholars are inclined to propose and construct theories while adopting an “ostrich policy” toward practical problems, while some outsiders of the discipline find it hard to truly comprehend the theories, leading to misunderstandings for philosophical researchers.

The root cause for this phenomenon is that some researchers do not regard the solution of practical problems as the focus of their career, showing inadequate concern for society and the times. They care more about achieving authoritativeness in the discipline by developing their own theories.

As researchers, they lack a sense of responsibility to take on the mission of the era. Therefore, it is imperative now for China’s philosophers to answer the call of the times and solve practical problems in philosophical studies.

For one thing, researchers should concentrate on a certain topic and aim to find solutions to problems in it by integrating different research areas, drawing on traditional academic resources and linking theoretical research with practical problems.

It is one major method in philosophical studies to analyze one issue from different angles, because the discipline in essence should keep up with time and constantly upgrade itself.

Also, researchers should coordinate different philosophical traditions and standpoints to seek methodological solutions. Currently, one obstacle for philosophical study is estrangement and opposition among various areas. Some researchers tend to regard their own research areas as authoritative, so they defend them while criticizing other areas. In fact, we should let every branch of philosophy express views and arguments on issues to find a reasonable solution.

Moreover, we should also work on the existential problems facing all of mankind with a vision of constructing a community of common destiny by reconciling different cultural traditions in the world.

One prominent characteristic of Chinese civilization is inclusiveness and maintaining harmony while respecting differences. Contemporary Chinese philosophy should uphold this tradition and investigate common problems, like the relationship between free will and social norms, the basic principles of an equal society, the mitigation of religious conflicts, and the path to sustainable development. These problems not only relate to the present situation of mankind but also its future.

 

Jiang Yi is a professor from the College of Philosophy and Sociology at Beijing Normal University.