实用主义 (Shí Yòng Zhǔyì), translated as "pragmatism" or "practicality," is a central Mohist principle emphasizing the importance of tangible results and utility in both thought and action. For Mozi (墨子), governance, ethics, and societal organization should be judged by their practical outcomes rather than abstract ideals or traditions. Shí Yòng Zhǔyì prioritizes actions that benefit the greatest number of people, focusing on efficiency, productivity, and harm reduction.
Mohist pragmatism is inherently utilitarian, valuing solutions that address immediate societal needs, such as reducing poverty, preventing war, and ensuring social stability. It rejects practices like elaborate rituals and excessive spending unless they serve a clear and practical purpose.
During the Warring States period (475–221 BCE), Mozi observed that many rulers focused on displays of wealth, power, and tradition while neglecting the basic needs of their people. Shí Yòng Zhǔyì emerged as a response to these inefficiencies, advocating for policies and practices that directly improved societal well-being.
Mohist pragmatism stood in contrast to Confucianism, which emphasized moral cultivation and ritual, and Daoism, which often prioritized harmony with nature over material concerns. Mohists believed that philosophy and governance should be grounded in practical benefits rather than abstract principles.
In modern China, Shí Yòng Zhǔyì aligns closely with the CCP’s focus on pragmatic governance and economic development. The principle of prioritizing tangible results over ideological purity reflects China’s approach to policy-making, particularly during periods of rapid modernization and reform.
Key CCP Applications:
Economic Reforms:
Policies such as Deng Xiaoping’s market reforms reflect Mohist pragmatism, emphasizing “seeking truth from facts” (实事求是, Shí Shì Qiú Shì) and prioritizing outcomes over rigid adherence to ideology.
Infrastructure Development:
Large-scale projects like the Belt and Road Initiative showcase the practical focus of Shí Yòng Zhǔyì, aiming to create mutual economic benefits.
Technology and Innovation:
Investments in science and technology reflect the pragmatic belief in human agency and progress to solve societal challenges.
Key Challenges:
Balancing Practicality with Ideology:
While pragmatism drives many policies, the CCP also emphasizes loyalty to socialist ideals, creating a nuanced interplay between practicality and ideology.
1. Mozi’s Critique of Rituals:
Mozi argued that elaborate rituals, such as grand ancestral ceremonies, should be abandoned unless they provide clear benefits to the living, such as fostering social cohesion or moral behavior.
2. Deng Xiaoping’s Reforms:
Deng’s famous quote, “It doesn’t matter whether a cat is black or white as long as it catches mice,” embodies Shí Yòng Zhǔyì, prioritizing practical solutions over ideological purity.
3. Poverty Alleviation Campaigns:
China’s targeted approach to eradicating extreme poverty reflects Mohist pragmatism, focusing on measurable outcomes like infrastructure, employment, and access to resources.
4. Green Energy Development:
China’s investment in renewable energy technologies aligns with Shí Yòng Zhǔyì, addressing both environmental challenges and economic opportunities pragmatically.
5. COVID-19 Response:
China’s strict lockdown measures and mass testing campaigns during the pandemic reflect a practical focus on minimizing harm and maintaining societal stability.
Pragmatism vs. Ideology:
Americans may view pragmatism as conflicting with China’s emphasis on socialism, misunderstanding the flexibility of Shí Yòng Zhǔyì in balancing practical outcomes with ideological goals.
Utilitarian Emphasis:
The Mohist focus on tangible benefits may appear cold or impersonal compared to Western ideals of individual rights and moral values.
Cultural Context:
The emphasis on collective well-being over personal freedoms may seem restrictive, but in the Chinese perspective, it reflects a pragmatic approach to achieving social harmony.
Shí Yòng Zhǔyì reflects a deeply ingrained Chinese value of practicality and results-oriented governance. From Mozi’s critique of wastefulness to the CCP’s focus on economic development and technological innovation, pragmatism has been a guiding principle in addressing societal challenges and achieving progress. By prioritizing utility and effectiveness, Shí Yòng Zhǔyì continues to shape modern Chinese policies, ensuring that actions are grounded in reality and benefit the collective good.