The Analytical Distinction of Traditional Chinese Economic Thought:Exploring the Advancement of the Construction of Chinese Economics through the"Second Combination"
Whether traditional Chinese economic thought is analytical is a pivotal question for objectively evaluating its theoretical value and historical status,as well as for systematically summarizing and innovating upon its glorious achieve-ments and historical heritage.Skeptics such as Schumpeter and Taylor argue that ancient China seems to lack economic analysis comparable to ancient Greece and medieval Western economies.Mainstream economics,based on the concept of market exchange,is considered too narrow in defining economic analysis,neglecting types of economic analysis based on state management.Building on the analysis of mainstream economic concepts represented by Schumpeter,this paper com-prehensively incorporates viewpoints of relevant debates and argues that economic analysis is essentially an exposition of economic phenomena and economic laws.General economic analysis includes not only market-based economic analysis,as defined by Schumpeter,but also economic analysis centered on state management.Based on the definition of general economic analysis,this article systematically examines the typical cases of tradi-tional Chinese economic thought and compares them with the analytical economic ideas of ancient Greece and subse-quent Western countries listed by Schumpeter.The study has found that:(1)Contrary to the skepticism and denial of Schumpeter and Taylor,traditional Chinese economic thought indeed encompasses economic analysis rooted in market exchange,which can be comparable to the analytical achievements listed by Schumpeter;(2)Like Western traditional eco-nomic thought,traditional Chinese economic thought also includes economic analysis based on state management,form-ing an economic theory that integrates both types of analysis;(3)Traditional Chinese economic thought is not as frag-mented or unsystematic as commonly believed,but has a certain systematic nature,with the economic analysis of some outstanding thinkers forming theoretical frameworks.Furthermore,the content of traditional economic thought can be summarized into a more generalized analytical system,which is problem-oriented and includes assumptions about human nature,core concepts,theoretical analysis,policy recommendations,and other elements.Through the analytical examination of traditional Chinese economic thought,it is demonstrated that the construction and theoretical innovation of Chinese economics should adeptly integrate the valuable resources of traditional Chinese economic thought.Otherwise,there is a risk of severing the root of China's excellent traditional culture.Reflected in the realm of Chinese economic thought,the combination of traditional Chinese economic thought with the Marxist economic worldview and methodology provides theoretical guidance,methodological direction,and thematic elucidation for the for-mer,helping to activate the intrinsic vitality of traditional Chinese economic thought and promote the modern transforma-tion and innovative interpretation of its excellent components.At the same time,traditional Chinese economic thought en-riches Marxist economics with national wisdom and local features,endowing Marxist economics with new sources of thought and new interpretive arguments,thereby providing a unique perspective and approach for investigating,analyz-ing,and resolving current economic issues in China,and for constructing Chinese economics with a Chinese mode of thinking and cultural tradition.Based on the investigation in this article,the analytical exploration of Chinese traditional economic thought can pro-mote the construction of Chinese economics in the following four directions.First,Chinese economics should focus on drawing nutrients from the analysis of traditional Chinese economic thought that encompasses both state management and market exchange,making the analysis of government functions,market roles,and their relationship a key breakthrough in economic theory,thus complementing and surpassing Western mainstream economics.Second,Chinese economics should expand the methodological individualism,repositioning individuals within the social community,and thereby fo-cusing on collective rationality and social ethics,establishing a people-centered perspective to enhance people's well-being and promote all-round human development.Third,Chinese economics should enhance the creativity in developing identifying concepts,draw on the rich conceptual resources of traditional Chinese economic thought for reconstructing concepts in a critical and referential manner,providing a foundational support for constructing an independent economic knowledge system in China.Fourth,Chinese economics should promote the academic tradition of applying traditional Chinese economic thought to practical use,using the Marxist worldview and methodology to advance problem-oriented theoretical innovation,addressing questions facing China,the world,the people,and the era.
Traditional Chinese Economic ThoughtAnalyticityThe Second CombinationConstruction of Chinese Eco-nomics