UNDERSTANDING THE CONCEPT OF "SPIRITUAL CULTURE" IN CONTEMPORARY CHINESE PHILOSOPHICAL THOUGHT

Abstract

The paper reflects the views and opinions of modern Chinese philosophers of spiritual culture. Scientists in China analyze spiritual culture as a part of the society's culture. They include material, institutional and spiritual cultures in the structure of the culture. Material culture and institutional culture are the outward manifestation of spiritual culture. It exists inside them. Material culture creates the conditions for the life of the society. Institutional culture provides fellowship of individuals and the society. Chinese scientists believe that spiritual culture is the mechanism controlling the entire operation of the society. It forms the national identity and supports the national unity. It creates the conditions for the free development of society and the individual. Chinese scientists explain spiritual culture as visible and invisible bases. The visible basis of spiritual culture is realized through material culture. The invisible basis of spiritual culture creates the conditions for a person who wants to be free. The author shows the position of Chinese philosophers whose works were not translated into Russian.

Keywords

• chinese philosophy
• chinese culture
• material and institutional culture
• spiritual culture
• national identity
• national character