Social Sciences in China (Chinese Edition)

No.7, 2013

The Principle of Differentiation and Scientific Development

(Abstract)

Qiu Gengtian

Differentiation is the basic mode or form of things in existence. The differentiation of things causes connections between them, which in turn cause the movement and development of things. Differentiated development has a number of characteristics: diversity, complexity, non-simultaneity, temporality and a certain degree of confrontation. The principle of differentialtion provides us with a unique perspective on how and why our society develops. The “differentiation method” is an important method for us to perceive and understand the development and progress of a society, and the existence of differences constitutes the major mechanism that drives social development. In the perspective of differentiation principle, the ongoing scientific development reflects the phasal characteristic of Chinese development since reform and opening up. But to carry out scientific development, we should also pay close attention to the proper handling of a series of problems concerning social differences.