Contemporary International Social Thought (2nd Edition)

Author: Duan Zhongqiao
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-08-01
Features: Since the 1970s, various political forces and their representatives in Western countries have proposed new theories to address the social issues they face, leading to the emergence of diverse social trends in fields such as philosophy, economics, political science, sociology, and Marxist theory. The nine trends introduced and analyzed in this book are among the more influential representatives. These trends include both critiques of the existing capitalist system and defenses of it; discussions on how to transition it toward socialism, as well as research on how to maintain it through reforms. These trends reflect, from various perspectives, the real contradictions and development trends of contemporary advanced capitalist countries. Where will capitalism go? This is the common question addressed by the nine social trends discussed in the book. While they hold different views on this issue, their common characteristic is advocating reforms of the existing capitalist system. Marxists do not categorically reject reforms when revolutionary circumstances have not yet emerged, but firmly oppose reformism that aims to preserve the capitalist system as its ultimate goal. To meet teaching requirements, the writing team of the book made minor revisions and additions to some chapters, and the final draft was approved by Professor Duan Zhongqiao.