The Speech at the Symposium on Philosophy and Social Sciences

An important speech by Xi Jinping at the Symposium on Philosophy and Social Science Work on May 17, 2016. Published in People's Daily on May 19, 2016. In the same year, People's Publishing House published a single edition of this speech.

Xi Jinping pointed out that philosophy and social sciences are important means for people to understand and transform the world, and they are important forces for promoting historical development and social progress.

The level philosophy and social sciences, is a measure for a country's composite national strength and international competitiveness. Philosophy and social science play an irreplaceable role in upholding and developing socialism with Chinese characteristics.

The “Speech” has focused on four issues.

(1) In order to adhere to and develop socialism with Chinese characteristics, we must attach great importance to philosophy and social sciences.

Xi Jinping pointed out that every major leap forward in human society and every major development of human civilization is inseparable from the knowledge change and ideological forerunner of philosophy and social sciences. Under the new situation, the status of philosophy and social sciences in China is more important and the task is more onerous.

Faced with the new situation of increasingly active social ideology and value orientation, coexistence of mainstream and non-mainstream ideologies, and diverse and tumultuous social thought trends, how to consolidate the guiding position of Marxism in the field of ideology, cultivate and practice the Socialist core value, and consolidate the common spiritual basis for the unity and struggle of the whole Party and the people of all ethnic groups in the country, there is an urgent need for philosophy and social sciences to play a better role.

Under the new situation of China's economic development entering the period of new normal and profound changes in the international environment for development t, philosophy and social sciences are urgently needed to play a better role in implementing our new development concept, accelerate the transformation of the economic development mode, improve the quality and efficiency of development, and in better guaranteeing and improving people's livelihood and in promoting social equity and justice.

As our reform has entered a critical stage and a “deep-water” zone, various deep-seated contradictions and problems continue to emerge.

Under the new situation of increasing risks and challenges, it is urgent for philosophy and social sciences to play a better role in improving the level of reform and scientific decision-making, promote the modernization of national governance system and governance capacity.

In the face of the new situation of all kinds of Ideological and cultural exchanges and fierce competition in the world, philosophy and social sciences are urgently needed to play a better role in accelerating the construction of a socialist cultural power, enhance cultural soft power, and strengthen China's discourse power in the world. In the face of the new situation that we have entered an important stage of exercising full and strict governance over the Party, and due to complex nature of the risks and tests confronting the Party, how to constantly strengthen the Party's leadership and governance level, enhance its ability to resist corruption, prevent change and resist risks, and enable that the Party always be the firm leadership core for advancing the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics, we urgently need philosophy and social science to play a better role. All ideal and aspiring philosophy and social science workers should set up the tide of the times, understand the changes of ancient and modern times, make the forerunner of their thoughts, actively make arguments and suggestions for the Party and the people, and shoulder the glorious mission entrusted by history.

(2) Adhere to the guiding position of Marxism in the field of philosophy and social sciences. Xi Jinping emphasized that adhering to the guiding status of Marxism is the fundamental hallmark that distinguishes contemporary Chinese philosophy and social sciences from other philosophical and social sciences, and should be adhered to with a clear-cut stand. Xi Jinping pointed out that although Marxism was born one and a half century ago, history and reality have proved that it is a scientific theory and still has strong vitality.

In our country, if we do not insist on Marxism as the guidance, philosophy and social science will lose its soul and direction.

We should attach great importance to the problem of "aphasia" in some disciplines, "loss of traces" in teaching and "loss of voice" in forums, adhere to the guidance of Marxism. First of all, we should solve the problem of true understanding and faith. At the core, we should solve the problem of why is it good to serve the human. Finally we should know how to implement Marxist theory.

(3) Accelerating the construction of philosophy and social sciences with Chinese characteristics. Xi Jinping pointed out that it is necessary to speed up the construction of philosophy and social sciences with Chinese characteristics, and strive to build philosophy and social sciences with Chinese characteristics in accordance with the thinking of based on China, drawing lessons from foreign countries, excavating history, grasping the present, caring for mankind, and facing the future. It fully embodies Chinese characteristics, and Chinese style in the aspects of guiding ideology, discipline system, academic system, discourse system and so on.

Xi Jinping pointed out: to build philosophy and social sciences with Chinese characteristics, firstly, it is necessary to embody inheritance and nationality, secondly, it is necessary to embody originality and characteristics of the times, thirdly, it is necessary to embody systematicness and professionalism.

He emphasized that philosophy and social sciences work in colleges and universities have an important role in educating people, facing all students, help them form correct world outlook, outlook on life,values, improve their moral cultivation and spiritual realm, cultivate their scientific thinking habits, and promote the healthy development of body, mind and personality.

(4) Strengthen and improve the Party's leadership in philosophy and social sciences study.

Xi Jinping pointed out: strengthening and improving the Party's leadership over the work of philosophy and social sciences is the fundamental guarantee for the prosperity and development of the cause of philosophy and social sciences in China.

Party committees at various levels should put philosophy and social sciences-related work on their agenda, strengthen political leadership and work guidance, and grasp prosperity and development on the one hand and guidance and management on the other.

We should give full play to the important role of philosophy and social sciences in the governance of the country, and let the majority of philosophy and social sciences workers become the proponents of advanced ideas, pioneers of academic research and social fashion and firm supporters of the Party in power.

The “Speech” profoundly answered a series of fundamental questions concerning the long-term development of philosophy and social sciences in China, and a programmatic document guiding the work of philosophy and social sciences.