The Social Philosophy Inspired by Marxist Thought and Constitutionalism ― Examining the Development of Socialism With Chinese Characteristics

Abstract

This chapter argues for a new framework termed ‘constitutional socialism’ (or ‘constitutional communism’), contending that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) should evolve towards a constitutional system that guarantees individual rights – particularly the right to survival – while maintaining socialist governance. It critiques the limitations of Marxist and Maoist political theory, especially the subordination of individual rights to ‘social practice’ and Party leadership, and contrasts these with both early CCP thinkers like Chen Duxiu and modern Chinese Enlightenment intellectuals who pursued constitutionalism.

Because Marxist theory and modern constitutionalism are fundamentally at odds, this chapter proposes that safeguarding individual survival rights is essential to sustaining public trust in the Party and to fostering the educated, economically stable middle stratum necessary for a healthy polity. It argues that constitutional guarantees should take precedence over procedural democracy, which can devolve into mob rule. Finally, while current ‘socialism with Chinese characteristics’ exhibits gestures towards such constitutionalism, it remains constrained by intolerance for dissent. This chapter concludes that China should ultimately present itself to the world as a constitutional socialist state.