Harmonious Society and Ecological Civilization: The concepts’ relationship

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.