For an Accurate and Comprehensive Understanding of the Cultural Theory of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics: Address at the Second World Cultural Forum

ABSTRACT

This is an address to the Second World Cultural Forum held in Beijing on October 16, 2017, in which the author explained various elements that make up the foundation of the cultural theory of socialism with Chinese characteristics. These include the basic tenets of Marxism in relation to culture, the rich components of traditional Chinese culture and the outstanding achievements of Western cultural development. The specific reasons why we should build upon these traditions in developing the cultural theory of socialism with Chinese characteristics are elaborated, and concrete methods to achieve this goal are presented.

KEYWORDS:

• World Cultural Forum
• cultural theory
• Socialism with Chinese Characteristics

Acknowledgements

This speech was translated by Liu Zixu, Assistant Researcher at the Academy of Marxism of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, and Deputy Editorial Director of International Critical Thought.

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Notes on Contributor

Wang Weiguang (following Chinese practice, the surname, Wang, is placed first) is President of the University of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) and President of the Presidium of the CASS Academic Divisions. His research focuses on Marxist philosophy and theory, on the Sinicisation of Marxism, on theoretical innovations in party theory, and on the theory and practice of socialism with Chinese characteristics. He has published more than 30 books, including On Social Conflict (in Chinese, China Social Sciences Press, 2011), On the Theory of Interest (in Chinese, China Social Sciences Press, 2010) and The Basic Problems of the Scientific Concept of Development (in Chinese, People’s Publishing House, 2009), as well as over 400 articles in major academic journals in China.