The Contemporary Responsibility of the Discipline of Marxist Theory
Han Xiping, Member of the State Council's Discipline Evaluation Group & Deputy Secretary of the CPC Committee of Jilin University
What kind of contemporary responsibility should the discipline of Marxist theory assume in the new era? As the world undergoes a once-in-a-century transformation and faces the impact of new technologies, how should the discipline of Marxist theory take on its responsibilities in the new journey of advancing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through Chinese-style modernization? These are questions that require careful consideration.
Firstly, strengthen the guiding role of Marxist theory. As the world faces a once-in-a-century transformation, the essential nature of the question "What is wrong with the world, and what should we do?" is that the dominant Western liberal ideology since modern times has encountered problems. In the new era, the successful advancement of Chinese-style modernization, the construction of a community with a shared future for mankind, and the knowledge systems addressing questions related to China, the world, the people, and the times all require the guidance of Marxism.
Secondly, enhance the holistic study of Marxist theory. The three main components of Marxism are, in fact, an integrated whole. Understanding the scientific connotations of Marxism from a holistic perspective is essential for further strengthening its guiding power. The process of adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the times is an integrated one, and the Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era is a complete theoretical system. Today, we need to break down the disciplinary barriers of the past and strengthen our research from a holistic perspective.
Thirdly, enhance the academic nature of the discipline of Marxist theory. Marxist theory is characterized by its strong academic nature and profound theoretical depth. It is necessary to "provide a scientific explanation and theoretical interpretation" of China's experiences, systematically summarize the practical achievements of Chinese-style modernization, and provide a theoretical explanation of China's development path and model. We need to refine and summarize how China's practices are transformed into Chinese experiences, and how these experiences are developed into Chinese theories.
Fourthly, highlight the practical nature of Marxist theory. General Secretary Xi Jinping has pointed out that "the viewpoint of practice and the viewpoint of life are the basic viewpoints of Marxist epistemology, and practicality is the distinctive feature of Marxist theory compared to other theories." Today, we need to propose Chinese solutions from the perspective of Marxist theory that are oriented towards practice and guide the interpretation of major issues, demonstrating the practical nature of Marxist theory through the ability to solve real problems.
Fifthly, implement the autonomy of Marxist theory. We must adhere to guiding China's economic and social development with Marxist theory and evaluating the actual achievements of China's modernization. We must truly shift from "being shaped by others" to "shaping ourselves." Based on China's own practices, we should fully reflect Chinese characteristics, style, and spirit in guiding ideologies, disciplinary systems, academic systems, and discourses, and lead the overall independent development of China's philosophy and social sciences based on the foundation of Marxist theory.
Sixthly, solidify the indigenous foundation of Marxist theory research. The essence of Chinese characteristics lies in the "two combinations." The indigenous development of Marxist theory must be closely integrated with the "roots" of excellent traditional Chinese culture. Promoting the deep integration of Marxist theory with excellent traditional Chinese culture is the best demonstration by the discipline of Marxist theory for the development of China's philosophy and social sciences.
Published on April 17, 2025