Selection Theory

Author: Zhou Shujun
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-12-01
Features: Whether from the perspective of human survival, human interaction, or the significance of human cognition and practice, self-selection cannot be avoided. The evolution of nature, the development of society, and the advancement of technology, along with the continuous accumulation and enrichment of self-awareness and the spiritual world, have made self-selection an increasingly universal topic. It necessitates a more reasonable interpretation than in the past, which requires philosophical discussion. This book attempts to reveal and argue the meaning, value, basis, subject, object, and realization of self-selection through theoretical explanations of the theory of self-selection. By examining questions such as where self-selection originates, why it arises, who makes the selection, how it is made, what is selected, and how it is realized, the book delves into the theoretical connotations of the theory of self-selection, revealing its essence and theoretical and practical significance. Furthermore, through a Marxist theoretical construction of the theory of self-selection and theoretical exploration of the laws of cognition and social development, it provides a scientific response to China's firm grasp of the strategic opportunity period and its commitment to a new-type industrialization development path, as well as the comprehensive realization of the goal of a moderately prosperous society. The book is divided into six parts, consisting of an introduction and five chapters.
Introduction: The objective conditions of contemporary science and technology and social development, as well as the current state of research on the theory of self-selection, demonstrate its theoretical and practical significance in understanding the laws of cognition and social development, as well as China's important historical position. The reflection mechanism of the human brain lies in the unity of the subject's intrinsic selectivity and the object; while the development of social history has the attributes of natural laws, it is the result of subjective self-selection, being deterministic yet reflecting the agency and creativity of self-selection, thus embodying the unity of necessity and contingency. The introduction also summarizes the theme, thesis, structure, and research methods of the topic.
Chapter 1: Self-existence is the logical starting point of self-selection. As a philosophical category, self-selection first exists as an act, which is both a cognitive process and a practical process. It takes self-existence as its logical starting point and reveals the freedom and creativity of the self in the process of selection. The essence of self-selection lies in the freedom of the self, reflecting the right to self-existence; yet it is also constrained by objective necessity and limited by others. Therefore, self-selection is not merely a sign of the self's freedom, but it should also fully consider the existence and selection of others, establishing the value and significance of others' existence. Self-selection does not lie in the self's present being but in the future. It reveals the deficiency of self-existence, and only through self-selection can the self be fulfilled. Self-selection always involves choices between setting, not setting, or negating, which simultaneously serves as a process of value evaluation and value realization. The standard for this choice is "truth, goodness, and beauty," forming the value and moral direction of self-selection, thereby establishing the rights and responsibilities of self-selection.
Chapter 2: The basis of self-selection. Self-existence is grounded in objective material conditions, and any choice takes place within a specific time and space. Human society carries out self-selection in the "real space" of different times, with the subject's self-selection vividly reflecting the ability to transcend the limitations of historical conditions, making social development present a nonlinear trajectory and a dialectical picture of diversity. Self-needs, desires, and aspirations are the internal driving force of self-selection, and the breadth and complexity of self-needs determine the diversity and hierarchy of self-selection. Any choice bears the characteristics of its era because it cannot exist independently of past social and historical conditions. Each individual's choice converges into a purposeful, yet necessary, development of social history.
Chapter 3: The subject of self-selection. The subject's self-selection is not solely determined by objective material conditions but also depends on the subject itself. The choice subject has a hierarchical and structural nature. The subject's sensory and rational choices are inseparable but distinct, with the self capable of thinking being the essence of the choice subject. The internal mechanism of the subject's choice determines or influences the self's selection, making self-selection not only reasonable but also rational. Not only does it reflect the value of the self, but the reflection of the self's value should also be within others. Through self-selection, the subject internalizes fixed principles, viewpoints, and habits, forming a subjective world, while the externalization of self-selection forms an objective object world, i.e., object existence.
Chapter 4: The object of self-selection. The object of self-selection is divided into internalized objects and externalized objects. Externalized objects are further divided into objective realities and virtual existences, while internalized objects can be categorized as concepts, viewpoints, abilities, habits, will, etc. Self-selection is, on one hand, a choice of objects, and on the other, it is constrained by objects. In the sense of the object of choice, it fully reflects the unity of subject and object, internalization and externalization, cognition and practice, quality and quantity, and affirmation and negation. Theoretical and practical viewpoints, as objects of choice, are formed by the subject's choice. However, theoretical viewpoints must change with the changes and development of practical viewpoints. Therefore, only through the realization of self-selection can the value and significance of self-existence be established.
Chapter 5: The realization of self-selection. The realization of self-selection generally goes through stages of setting, implementation, and summary, ultimately achieving the subject's objectification and the object's subjectification, realizing a choice goal that is purposeful for the subject. The mode of realization of self-selection is a self-stabilizing and self-organizing process, reflecting the mutual connection and interaction between the subject's choice and the object. It persistently pursues truth, goodness, and beauty, eagerly desiring a spiritual homeland. The realization of self-selection, to a certain extent, is the grasp of opportunities, and the grasp of opportunities is the correct choice of the strategic opportunity period. Therefore, only by firmly grasping the strategic opportunity period can human comprehensive development and social comprehensive progress be achieved.