The Originality Requirements for Constructing China’s Independent Knowledge System

Constructing China’s independent knowledge system is the fundamental task of accelerating the building of philosophy and social sciences with Chinese characteristics. An independent knowledge system is a knowledge system constituted by original concepts, theories, and methods. General Secretary Xi Jinping has emphasized, “To produce original research results, we must proceed from China’s actual conditions and adhere to the viewpoints of practice, history, dialectics, and development, recognizing, testing, and developing truth in practice.” [1]1 Xi Jinping, speech at a symposium on philosophy and social science work, May 17, 2016. China’s independent knowledge system is an original construction that adheres to the methodological principles of dialectical materialism. To this end, it is necessary to adhere to the “viewpoint of practice” to refine original results, adhere to the “viewpoint of history” to highlight the people-oriented orientation, adhere to the “viewpoint of dialectics” to forge iconic theories, and adhere to the “viewpoint of development” to answer new questions of the era.

建构中国自主知识体系是加快构建中国特色哲学社会科学的根本任务。自主知识体系是以原创性的概念、理论、方法构成的知识体系。习近平总书记强调，“要推出具有独创性的研究成果，就要从我国实际出发，坚持实践的观点、历史的观点、辩证的观点、发展的观点，在实践中认识真理、检验真理、发展真理”。中国自主知识体系是坚持唯物辩证方法论原则的原创性建构，为此，需要坚持“实践的观点”提炼独创性成果、坚持“历史的观点”突出人民性导向、坚持“辩证的观点”打造标识性理论、坚持“发展的观点”回答时代新课题。

Rooted in the Innovative Practice of Chinese-Path Modernization

根植中国式现代化的创新性实践

Knowledge originates from practice, and independence is rooted in innovation. The Marxist historical materialist view holds that knowledge is the sum total of the understandings and experiences people gain in the process of transforming the world through practice. The original construction of an independent knowledge system should first be rooted in the practice of socialism with Chinese characteristics for a New Era. The Party has led the people to successfully embark on the path of Chinese-path modernization, creating rich innovative practices with uniqueness and originality. To accelerate the building of philosophy and social sciences with Chinese characteristics, we must “focus on what we are doing,” [2]2 Xi Jinping, speech at the conference marking the 200th anniversary of Marx’s birth, May 4, 2018. discover and solve problems in the innovative practice of Chinese-path modernization, refine original results, and test the effectiveness of building philosophy and social sciences with Chinese characteristics in practice.

知识来源于实践，自主根植于创新。马克思主义唯物史观认为，知识是人们在改造世界的实践过程中获得的认识与经验的总和。自主知识体系的原创性建构，首先应当植根于新时代中国特色社会主义实践。党领导人民成功走出中国式现代化道路，创造了丰富的具有独特性和独创性的创新性实践。加快构建中国特色哲学社会科学，必须“以我们正在做的事情为中心”，在中国式现代化的创新性实践中发现问题、解决问题，提炼独创性成果，并在实践中检验中国特色哲学社会科学建设的成效。

Deeply grasp the fundamental problems in practice. The innovative practice of Chinese-path modernization provides original topics and innovative starting points for the independent knowledge system. “Problems are the voice of the times, and answering and guiding the resolution of problems is the fundamental task of theory.” [3]3 A phrase from Xi Jinping’s report to the 19th National Congress of the CPC To construct an independent knowledge system for philosophy and social sciences with Chinese characteristics, we must seek original topics from the practice of Chinese-path modernization and demonstrate profound explanatory power by centering on real-world problems. Only by accurately and scientifically understanding and solving these problems can we promote the construction of China’s independent knowledge system.

深刻把握实践中的根本性问题。中国式现代化的创新性实践为自主知识体系提供原创性议题与创新性起点。“问题是时代的声音，回答并指导解决问题是理论的根本任务。”建构中国特色哲学社会科学自主知识体系，要从中国式现代化实践中寻找原创性议题，在围绕现实问题中展现深刻的解释力，只有准确、科学地理解和解决了这些问题，才能推动中国自主知识体系建构。

Be adept at refining the regular patterns of achievement in practice. The independent knowledge system of philosophy and social sciences with Chinese characteristics is a scientific summarization, high-level generalization, and abstract sublimation of the practice of Chinese-path modernization. The continuous advancement of the practice of Chinese-path modernization has accumulated rich resources for the construction of China’s independent knowledge system. It is necessary to use scientific methods of thinking to process and transform these materials of perceptual knowledge, reflect the essential laws of the practice of Chinese-path modernization, and elevate practical experience into systematic new theories.

善于提炼实践中的规律性成果。中国特色哲学社会科学自主知识体系是对中国式现代化实践的科学归纳、高度概括和抽象升华。不断推进中国式现代化实践为中国自主知识体系建构积淀了丰厚的资源。需要运用科学的思维方法对这些感性认识的材料进行加工和改造，反映中国式现代化实践的本质规律，把实践经验上升为系统化的新理论。

Promote the positive interaction between theoretical innovation and practical innovation. The practice of Chinese-path modernization is not only an important source of the independent knowledge system but also the sole criterion for testing China’s independent knowledge system. The independent knowledge system develops and grows in the course of socialist modernization; it must return to the practice of Chinese-path modernization to test its truth and, through repeated interaction, continuously develop and become increasingly perfect. Constructing an independent knowledge system requires adhering to the principles of openness and dynamism, prompting the practice of Chinese-path modernization and the independent knowledge system of Chinese philosophy and social sciences to present a mutually reflecting and co-evolving “double helix” model.

推动理论创新与实践创新的良性互动。中国式现代化实践不仅是自主知识体系的重要来源，而且是检验中国自主知识体系的唯一标准。自主知识体系是在社会主义现代化建设中发展壮大的，必须回到中国式现代化实践中检验其真理，并在反复互动中持续发展、日臻完善。建构自主知识体系要秉承开放性和动态性原则，促使中国式现代化实践与中国哲学社会科学自主知识体系呈现出一个相互映照的互融共进的“双螺旋”模式。

Adhere to the People-Centered Orientation

坚持以人民为中心的导向

General Secretary Xi Jinping has emphasized: “For China’s philosophy and

习近平总书记强调：“我国哲学社会科学要有所作为，就必须坚持以人民为中心的研究导向。”始终坚持人民立场、代表人民利益、为人民做学问，是我国哲学社会科学的使命所在、价值所在。

The construction of an independent knowledge system must reflect the will and interests of the people. To construct an independent knowledge system for Chinese philosophy and social sciences, it is necessary to adhere to a people-centered stance. In terms of content, this means faithfully expressing the voices of the masses, speaking up for the people and calling out on their behalf, resolving their doubts and confusions, daring to engage with contradictions that touch on the people’s vital interests, caring about their hardships and concerns, and coexisting and advancing together with the people in the same direction. To this end, constructing an independent knowledge system for philosophy and social sciences with Chinese characteristics requires the consciousness and resolve to establish theories and write works for the people. Philosophy and social science workers must step out of the self and integrate into the greater self, combining academic ideals with the well-being of the people, and keeping in mind the “great affairs of the state” [1]1 Xi Jinping, speech at a symposium on philosophy and social science work, May 17, 2016. that concern the people.

自主知识体系的建构要反映人民的意志利益。建构中国哲学社会科学自主知识体系要坚守人民立场，在内容上就必须忠实地表达人民群众心声，为人民鼓与呼，为人民解疑释惑，敢于接触涉及人民切身利益的矛盾，关心人民的痛痒，与人民同生共在、同向共进。为此，建构中国特色哲学社会科学自主知识体系要具有为人民述学立论的自觉与坚定，哲学社会科学工作者要走出自我、融入大我，将学术理想与人民福祉相结合，心怀关乎人民的“国之大者”。

The development of an independent knowledge system must attend to the spiritual needs of the people. As socialism with Chinese characteristics enters the New Era, the construction of cultural-ethical progress has become an extremely important and urgent component of meeting the people’s needs for a better life. The independent knowledge system must fully leverage its disciplinary functions, such as fostering virtue and nurturing talent, cultivating foundational values, and enlightening wisdom and enriching the mind, in order to respond to the people’s concerns and expectations. It must not only theoretically resolve doubts and clarify principles for the people regarding issues such as the changes, challenges, and opportunities of development in the New Era, but also spiritually provide directional guidance for the people to bravely build dreams, pursue dreams, and fulfill dreams in the New Era.

自主知识体系的发展要观照人民的精神需要。中国特色社会主义进入新时代，精神文明建设成为满足人民美好生活需要的极为重要与迫切的内容。自主知识体系要充分发挥立德树人、培元育才、启智润心等学科功能，回应人民的关切与期待，既要在理论上围绕新时代发展变化、挑战和机遇等问题为人民释疑解惑、阐明道理，也要在精神上为人民群众在新时代勇敢筑梦、追梦、圆梦提供方向指引。

The evaluation of an independent knowledge system must be based on the people’s degree of satisfaction. In constructing an independent knowledge system for Chinese philosophy and social sciences, it is essential to grasp the correct historical direction and maintain the correct creative stance through the people’s judgment. A knowledge system is abstracted from the real world. The effectiveness of constructing a knowledge system should be assessed according to the social evaluation criteria based on the people’s interests. Philosophy and social science workers must step out of the ivory tower, respect the people’s principal position, humbly learn from the people as teachers, seek knowledge from the people and consult them for strategies, and produce knowledge products that truly align with the people’s interests.

自主知识体系的评价要依据人民的满意程度。建构中国特色哲学社会科学自主知识体系必须在人民的评判中掌握正确的历史方向，站稳正确的创作立场。知识体系是从现实世界抽象出来的，根据人民利益的社会评价尺度来判断知识体系的建构成效，哲学社会科学工作者要走出象牙塔，尊重人民主体地位，虚心拜人民为师，问学于民、问计于民，创作出真正符合人民利益的知识产品。

Upholding an open-minded attitude of inclusiveness and eclecticism

秉持兼容并蓄的开放胸怀

A dialectical critical consciousness is an important prerequisite for philosophy and social science workers to rationally examine other knowledge systems, and thereby carry out independent research and active construction. Constructing China’s independent knowledge system requires integrating various resources from ancient and modern times, both at home and abroad. On the basis of reference, critique, and sublation, it is necessary to adhere to the localized and distinctive development of philosophy and social sciences, properly handle the relationship among the three major resources—Marxism, fine traditional Chinese culture, and foreign philosophy and social sciences—and unify them within the framework of adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times.

辩证的批判意识是哲学社会科学工作者理性审视他者知识体系，进而开展独立研究与能动建构的重要前提。建构中国自主知识体系要融通古今中外各种资源，在借鉴、批判、扬弃的基础上，坚持哲学社会科学本土化特色化发展，处理好马克思主义、中华优秀传统文化与国外哲学社会科学三大资源的关系，将之统一于马克思主义中国化时代化。

Deepen the “Two Integrations” [2]2 Xi Jinping, speech at the conference marking the 200th anniversary of Marx’s birth, May 4, 2018. and permeate the entire process of knowledge innovation. The “Two Integrations” represent a summary of experience and a revelation of the laws governing the process of adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times. On the one hand, integrate the basic tenets of Marxism with China’s specific realities, using the Marxist worldview and methodology to study China’s problems, thereby elevating China’s specificity into abstract universality, constructing China’s independent knowledge system, and serving to resolve issues of concern to the people. On the other hand, integrate the basic tenets of Marxism with fine traditional Chinese culture. Fully activate the vital and enduring excellent elements within fine traditional Chinese culture, better realize the creative transformation and innovative development of fine traditional Chinese culture, and enable this “root vein” [3]3 A phrase from Xi Jinping’s report to the 19th National Congress of the CPC of fine traditional Chinese culture to radiate enduring contemporary vitality. Inject the “soul vein” [4] and deeply cultivate the “root vein” for the construction of the independent knowledge system, so that the independent knowledge system not only possesses the vigorous vitality of Marxist scientific theory but also contains the profound heritage of fine traditional Chinese culture, thereby creating a new knowledge life form with distinct “independence.”

深化“两个结合”，贯穿知识创新全过程。“两个结合”是对马克思主义中国化时代化进程的经验总结和规律揭示。一方面，将马克思主义基本原理同中国具体实际相结合，以马克思主义世界观方法论研究中国问题，进而将中国的具体性上升为抽象的普遍性，建构中国自主知识体系，服务于解决人民群众关切问题。另一方面，将马克思主义基本原理同中华优秀传统文化相结合。充分激活中华优秀传统文化中富有生命力的优秀因子，更好地实现对中华优秀传统文化的创造性转化和创新性发展，使中华优秀传统文化这个“根脉”焕发出经久不息的当代生命力。为自主知识体系的建构注入“魂脉”、厚植“根脉”，使自主知识体系既具有马克思主义科学理论的旺盛活力，又包含中华优秀传统文化的深厚底蕴，造就具有鲜明“自主性”的新的知识生命体。

Adhere to discarding the false and retaining the true, and forge iconic theories. General Secretary Xi Jinping points out, “In the face of a rich and diverse world, we should adopt an attitude of inclusiveness and eclecticism, humbly learn from the good things of others, and, on the basis of an independent stance, digest and absorb the good things of others and turn them into our own good things.” [5] Constructing China’s independent knowledge system means thoroughly changing the “apprentice” status of Chinese philosophy and social sciences. It is absolutely impermissible to directly apply certain foreign academic viewpoints, models, and methods to contemporary China, let alone treat them as the “sole criterion” to tailor China’s reality or guide Chinese philosophy and social sciences. “With regard to foreign theories, concepts, discourses, and methods, there must be analysis and discrimination. Those that are applicable should be used; those that are not should not be mechanically copied.” [6] Continuously draw excellent ideas and cultures from the “sum total of human knowledge” to provide beneficial nourishment for constructing China’s independent knowledge system.

坚持去伪存真，打造标识性理论。习近平总书记指出，“对丰富多彩的世界，我们应该秉持兼容并蓄的态度，虚心学习他人的好东西，在独立自主的立场上把他人的好东西加以消化吸收，化成我们自己的好东西”。建构中国自主知识体系，就是要彻底改变中国哲学社会科学的“学徒”状态。绝不能把国外的某些学术观点、学术模型和学术方法直接套用到当下的中国，更不能把它们当成“唯一准则”来裁剪中国现实、指导中国哲学社会科学。“对国外的理论、概念、话语、方法，要有分析、有鉴别，适用的就拿来用，不适用的就不要生搬硬套。”在“人类知识的总和”中不断汲取优秀思想文化，为建构中国自主的知识体系提供有益滋养。

Continue to write a new chapter in adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times.

续写马克思主义中国化时代化新篇章

The vitality of theory lies in continuous innovation. The construction and development of China’s independent knowledge system must solve China’s problems, the world’s problems, and even humanity’s problems, continuously advancing the adaptation of Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times. “Consciously taking answering the questions of China, the questions of the world, the questions of the people, and the questions of the times as the academic mission, and taking manifesting China’s path, China’s governance, and China’s principles as the intellectual pursuit, and producing genuine skills and good results in studying and solving major issues that are of overall, fundamental, and critical importance to the Party and the state” [1]1 Xi Jinping, speech at a symposium on philosophy and social science work, May 17, 2016. — this is the requirement and expectation put forward by General Secretary Xi Jinping for China’s philosophy and social sciences.

理论的生命力在于不断创新。中国自主知识体系建构和发展要解决中国问题、世界问题，甚至人类问题，不断推进马克思主义中国化时代化。“自觉以回答中国之问、世界之问、人民之问、时代之问为学术己任，以彰显中国之路、中国之治、中国之理为思想追求，在研究解决事关党和国家全局性、根本性、关键性的重大问题上拿出真本事、取得好成果”，是习近平总书记对我国哲学社会科学提出的要求和期望。

Problems arise from practice; the development of practice is endless, the raising and answering of problems have no cessation, and the task of theoretical innovation has no terminus. The understanding of many basic and major issues will not be completed in one go; it must be deepened in new practice and the existing understanding enriched and perfected. Contemporary China is undergoing the most grand and unique practical innovation in human history, and the times have raised a large number of theoretical and practical issues urgently awaiting answers. We must “persist in observing the times, interpreting the times, and leading the times with Marxism, and use the vivid and rich practice of contemporary China to promote the development of Marxism,” [2]2 Xi Jinping, speech at the conference marking the 200th anniversary of Marx’s birth, May 4, 2018. continuously deepen the understanding of the laws governing the Communist Party’s governance, the laws of socialist construction, and the laws of human social development, and continuously open up new realms for contemporary Chinese Marxism and 21st-century Marxism.

问题来源于实践，实践发展无止境，问题的提出和回答无中止，理论创新的任务无终点。对许多基本问题、重大问题的认识不会一次性完成，还要在新的实践中有待深化，丰富完善已有的认识。当代中国正在经历人类历史上最为宏大而独特的实践创新，时代提出了大量亟待回答的理论和实践课题。我们要“坚持用马克思主义观察时代、解读时代、引领时代，用鲜活丰富的当代中国实践来推动马克思主义发展”，不断深化对共产党执政规律、社会主义建设规律、人类社会发展规律的认识，不断开辟当代中国马克思主义、21世纪马克思主义新境界。

An independent knowledge system must highlight the subjectivity, originality, and scholarly rationality of research. “Centering on what we are doing,” [3]3 A phrase from Xi Jinping’s report to the 19th National Congress of the CPC we must deeply understand the new requirements brought about by changes in the principal contradiction in Chinese society, adhere to problem consciousness and highlight a problem orientation, listen to the voices of the people and respond to practical needs, persist in emancipating the mind, seeking truth from facts, upholding fundamental principles and breaking new ground, continuously study new situations and solve new problems, and unremittingly advance the adaptation of Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times on the new journey. We must connect the essence of Marxist thought with the excellent traditional Chinese culture, and integrate it with the common values that the people “use daily without being aware of,” [4] continue to write a new chapter in adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times, and allow Marxism to demonstrate even greater truth power on Chinese soil.

自主知识体系要凸显研究主体性、原创性和学理性。“以我们正在做的事情为中心”，深刻认识我国社会主要矛盾变化带来的新要求，坚持问题意识、突出问题导向，聆听人民心声、回应现实需要，坚持解放思想、实事求是、守正创新，不断研究新情况、解决新问题，在新征程上坚持不懈推进马克思主义中国化时代化。把马克思主义思想精髓同中华优秀传统文化贯通起来、同人民群众“日用而不觉”的共同价值观念融通起来，续写马克思主义中国化时代化新篇章，让马克思主义在中国大地上展现出更强大的真理力量。

Online editor: Paul

网络编辑：保罗