Abstract
The paper discusses a conceptual basis of a new course of development of the Chinese society that is aimed at sustainable development, solving the environmental pollution issues, achieving harmony in the society. The Chinese authorities proposed a new course of ‘ecological civilization’ development. The authors analyze the issues that arise from the development of ecological civilization in China from the perspective of definition of the term ‘ecological civilization’ in the context of traditional Chinese culture, its relationship with traditional and modern understanding of the harmony and harmonious society, and development of legal regulations in the sphere of environmental protection. We provide the analysis of philosophical aspects of the emergence of ecological society, such as expansion of the Western anthropocentrism in the modern Chinese society, possibility of revival of ecological consciousness that is based on traditional Chinese culture, etc. The paper demonstrates the approach that was developed in the works of Chinese scholars regarding understanding of ecological civilization as a new stage of human society’s development that comes after industrial society. In conclusion, the authors propose to consider that approach as a necessary civilizational choice that is to be taken by the Chinese society.
Highlights
Having embarked on achieving a path of ‘Xiaokang’, the Chinese society started to prioritize economic development
As a result of such policy, there was a transition from the traditional agrarian society to the modern industrial society
The previous program of development could not contribute to solving of one of the most pressing issue of the Chinese society – the issue of environmental pollution
Summary
Having embarked on achieving a path of ‘Xiaokang’ (a moderately prosperous society, society of a small welfare), the Chinese society started to prioritize economic development. Industrialization of the Chinese society is almost finished, especially in Central and Eastern parts of China. In the context of the scientific program of development the decision was made to reduce the city-village differences. That means the development of infrastructure, improvement of a quality of social services, minimizing a gap between levels of income of rural and urban residents, increasing a cultural level of rural residents, etc. The previous program of development could not contribute to solving of one of the most pressing issue of the Chinese society – the issue of environmental pollution
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