Hu Yaobang and the Discussion on the Criterion of Truth

Author: Shen Baoxiang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-04-01
Features: The discussion on the standard of truth took place before the Third Plenary Session of the 11th Central Committee of the CCP and ended after it. Whether from the perspective of national history, Party history, or other historical angles, to discuss this period of history inevitably requires understanding this major discussion and examining it from a specific perspective. This alone is sufficient to demonstrate the historical significance of this discussion. Various situations in real life repeatedly prompted me to realize the necessity of accurately and comprehensively documenting this period of history regarding the discussion on the standard of truth. When I encountered writings that were inaccurate, incomplete, or even irresponsible, it further reinforced my awareness that recording this period of history truthfully is a responsibility we owe to history and future generations. We have no right to shirk this historical responsibility. The few people who, under Hu Yaobang's guidance, ran the "Theoretical Dynamics" magazine have all left for various reasons, leaving only me consistently working at the editorial office of "Theoretical Dynamics." I feel that I should take on this responsibility.