Social Sciences in China Review

No.4, 2018

 

Forty Years of Chinese Economy Philosophy: Development and Shift of Focus (Abstract)

 

Mao Letang

 

Chinese economy philosophy and the practice of reform and opening-up have resonated with each other and been synchronized over the past 40 years. Chinese economic reform went through its initial stages in the mid-to-late 1980s and a rapid development phase in the 1990s, and it has entered into phase of deepening since the 21st century. Likewise, the focus of Chinese economy philosophy has also gone through several changes. In the initial stage, it argued over the legitimacy and nature of the discipline; in the 1990s it explored and reflected on the construction of its system; and in the 21st century it has been conducting multi-dimensional research on China’s modernity. In the new era, economy philosophy has taken a new research approach and direction with a view to offering its contribution to the national rejuvenation. It strives to provide a philosophical foundation for a socialist political economy with Chinese characteristics, and to provide academic and value support for the Chinese national rejuvenation. The past 40 years has witnessed both progress and twists and turns of the discipline, and fruitful achievements and shortcomings. The future of Chinese economy philosophy is bright and promising.