On Karl Marx’s Ecological Theory

The scientific and technical revolution, derived from capitalist countries, hasprofoundly advanced the people’s life and the development of the word. While weenjoy the benefits of the revolution, we must face the ecological problems which alsohave originated from it, such as resource depletion, climate anomalies and extinctionof species. The emergence of the ecological philosophy represents our pondering andreflecting on these problems. Marxism is a monumental thought in human history. Soit is meaningful to understand and explore the ecological theory of Marx when we findtheoretical and practical resolutions of the problems. In this thesis, I would outlineecological theories in Greek philosophy and Enlightenment philosophy, and illustratethat all of them have the theoretical difficulties that can’t be resolved by the traditionalhorizons and thinking modes. Marx’s ecological theory transcends the traditional one,and the practical mode of thinking, which makes the transcending possible and leads tothe “Practical-Turn” in philosophy, is the essential character of Marx’s theory. Afteranalyzing the profound meaning and great significance of practical thinking mode, Iwould specify the content of Marx’s ecological theory at details, and argue that it hasgreatly important value in contemporary world. Hu Jintao’s report of18thNationalCongress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) inherits and develops Marx’secological thoughts. This profound report indicates that ecological progress orecological civilization is a long-term task of vital importance to people’s wellbeingand China’s future, and that we must give high priority to making ecologicalprogress and incorporate it into all aspects and the whole progress of advancingeconomic, political, cultural, and social progress. In the last part of this thesis, I wouldexemplify the significance of Hu’s report to the ecological theory and practice.