Foreword II
xi
to build ecological civilization which is an aspect of the hard power of the country. In
his speech at the symposium on philosophy and social sciences, General Secretary
Xi Jinping also pointed out that “ecology” is the manifestation of the inheritance and
nationality of philosophy and social sciences with Chinese characteristics. Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism were the three main philosophies of ancient China.
Under their combined effect, the Chinese nation has formed its own unique cultural
system, at the core of which were doctrines of zhong yong, harmony and tolerance.
These doctrines advocate the adoption of an attitude of respect for nature, reflecting
the unique values and worldviews of the Chinese people. Without full confidence in
the Chinese culture, without a rich and prosperous culture, the Chinese nation will
not be able to rejuvenate itself. General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out that the rich
philosophical thoughts, ethical values, humanist ethics, social teachings, and moral
virtues that are a crucial part of traditional Chinese culture can provide inspirations
for people who want to understand and transform the world, improve state governance and shape morals and values of a society. The wisdom of ancient Chinese
people concerning ecology such as the unity of nature and man still enlightens us
today. It inspires us to keep improve ourselves and achieve harmonious coexistence
with nature. We should be confident in the reconstruction of contemporary ecological civilization theory and practice paradigms with the traditional values of Chinese
culture.
We must promote the transformation of human ecology. Ecological research is
not included in philosophy or social sciences either in China or other countries.
The “ecological” elements in the western philosophy and social science system are
scattered in fields such as ecological ethics, sustainable development, ecological
economy, green, and low-carbon. Ecological research is still not an independent
field of study. In China, ecological research is categorized under environment, natural
resources, and ecological protection, and its status as an independent discipline under
philosophy and social sciences is often overlooked. Even though there are some
ecological studies conducted from perspectives of philosophy and social sciences,
they are in the fragmentation pattern of Western Humanities and social sciences.
Among the disciplines of higher education and scientific research institutions in
China, “ecology” is categorized under natural science instead of humanities and
social sciences within the framework of the philosophy and social science system.
Ethics can be used as a tool to govern society, and all societies should value the power
of ethics. Environmental ethics advocates the adoption of an attitude of respect for
life and nature, studies the entities and processes of life and nature, and calls for
actions to care for nature, future generations, and all lives. Its emergence reflects the
improvement of human beings’ moral realm. General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed
out that the country should protect the environment like one protects his eyes and
treat the environment like one treats his life. This makes us feel that this planet is an
ecological home that “fits our natural sensibility.” To build an ecological civilization,
we need to build a culture that encourages us to continuously deepen our love for
nature.
xi
to build ecological civilization which is an aspect of the hard power of the country. In
his speech at the symposium on philosophy and social sciences, General Secretary
Xi Jinping also pointed out that “ecology” is the manifestation of the inheritance and
nationality of philosophy and social sciences with Chinese characteristics. Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism were the three main philosophies of ancient China.
Under their combined effect, the Chinese nation has formed its own unique cultural
system, at the core of which were doctrines of zhong yong, harmony and tolerance.
These doctrines advocate the adoption of an attitude of respect for nature, reflecting
the unique values and worldviews of the Chinese people. Without full confidence in
the Chinese culture, without a rich and prosperous culture, the Chinese nation will
not be able to rejuvenate itself. General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out that the rich
philosophical thoughts, ethical values, humanist ethics, social teachings, and moral
virtues that are a crucial part of traditional Chinese culture can provide inspirations
for people who want to understand and transform the world, improve state governance and shape morals and values of a society. The wisdom of ancient Chinese
people concerning ecology such as the unity of nature and man still enlightens us
today. It inspires us to keep improve ourselves and achieve harmonious coexistence
with nature. We should be confident in the reconstruction of contemporary ecological civilization theory and practice paradigms with the traditional values of Chinese
culture.
We must promote the transformation of human ecology. Ecological research is
not included in philosophy or social sciences either in China or other countries.
The “ecological” elements in the western philosophy and social science system are
scattered in fields such as ecological ethics, sustainable development, ecological
economy, green, and low-carbon. Ecological research is still not an independent
field of study. In China, ecological research is categorized under environment, natural
resources, and ecological protection, and its status as an independent discipline under
philosophy and social sciences is often overlooked. Even though there are some
ecological studies conducted from perspectives of philosophy and social sciences,
they are in the fragmentation pattern of Western Humanities and social sciences.
Among the disciplines of higher education and scientific research institutions in
China, “ecology” is categorized under natural science instead of humanities and
social sciences within the framework of the philosophy and social science system.
Ethics can be used as a tool to govern society, and all societies should value the power
of ethics. Environmental ethics advocates the adoption of an attitude of respect for
life and nature, studies the entities and processes of life and nature, and calls for
actions to care for nature, future generations, and all lives. Its emergence reflects the
improvement of human beings’ moral realm. General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed
out that the country should protect the environment like one protects his eyes and
treat the environment like one treats his life. This makes us feel that this planet is an
ecological home that “fits our natural sensibility.” To build an ecological civilization,
we need to build a culture that encourages us to continuously deepen our love for
nature.