Scholars explored the profound wisdom and philosophical insights embedded within Chinese modernization at a symposium on the “Chinese Path to Modernization and Philosophy” and concurrently the 2023 annual conference of the Chongqing Philosophy Society, which were held at the Southwest University of Political Science and Law (SWUPL) in Chongqing Municipality on June 17. They said the philosophical connotations have provided theoretical backing for the Communist Party of China (CPC) to lead the Chinese people to advance the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through Chinese modernization.

Chinese modernization was put forward as an alternative model distinct from Western modernization. It represents a consciousness of rationality and a critical reflection on what modernization is and in what way it can be achieved. Understanding Chinese modernization through the lens of philosophy and embracing the development of diverse cultures and civilizations undoubtedly represents a significant advancement for humanity.

Zhang Zhiyong, director of the philosophy teaching and research department at the Party School of the Chongqing Committee of the CPC (Chongqing Academy of Governance), said that Chinese modernization has shattered the myth of Western “monistic modernity” and has contributed to the enrichment of the history of “pluralistic modernity.

Chinese modernization is in a critical period in which it is necessary not only to carry on meta-narratives of modernization, such as modernity, stability, national interests, people’s wellbeing, and development, but also to fuse the modernity of traditional Chinese elements with modern values like science, rationality, and inclusiveness as value orientations, Zhang said.

The CPC has been upholding the integration of the basic tenets of Marxism with China’s specific realities and fine traditional culture. After more than 100 years of hard work, it has created a socialist civilization with Chinese characteristics, marked by the principles of cherishing the nation’s cultural roots, drawing on other cultures, and being forward-thinking.

“Our Party started from the traditional civilizational form characterized by the integration of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism, believing that everybody cherishes his or her own culture and values, and if we respect and treasure other’s culture and values, the world will be a harmonious one,” said He Yue, a professor from the School of

Marxism Studies at Chongqing University. The CPC advocates for an organic blending of various forms of human civilization and has created a new form of human advancement through Chinese modernization.

The new form of human advancement is deeply rooted in fine traditional Chinese culture, reflecting the advanced nature of scientific socialism, He Yue said. By drawing inspiration from all of human civilization’s outstanding achievements, it not only indicates the path towards human progress but also transcends existing forms of human civilization. In doing so, it offers a fresh alternative to the Western model of modernization.

Tao Lin, a professor from the College of State Governance at Southwest University, said that modernization primarily falls within the scopes of economics and sociology. In comparison to traditional agricultural societies, modern social civilization has undergone fundamental changes in terms of productive forces, models of production, economic growth, and social development, while significant advancements have been made in society in terms of urbanization, informatization, education popularization, and knowledge levels.

Chinese modernization is a great and arduous undertaking, Tao stressed. He underscored the necessity to value rationalism amid progressive and qualitative advancements, reconstruct rational factors like instrumental rationality and value rationality, and reexamine interpersonal relations and the relationship between humanity and nature.

The meetings were sponsored by the Chongqing Philosophy Society and organized by the School of Marxism at the SWUPL.