From Historical Change View To Evolutionary Theory

Kang Youwei was one of the leaders of The Hundred Days’ Reform in1898China who pushed the high wave of modernization revolution from the most disastrous situation at that time. Although this reform failed for different reasons, the theory of "Three Ages" proposed by him which involved in concepts of natural science and evolution from western world to advocate his politic opinions still aroused huge echoes in academics. It has been considered as the beginning of Confucian modernization in Chinese history as well. Nowadays, standing on the new starting line of constructing socialism with Chinese characteristics, confronting cultural shocks from US, Japan, South Korea, etc. the question we have to think is how to keep tradition and create new way; how to learn the best from others and go to the world arena.Based upon learned knowledge, this paper utilizes the methods of theory analyzing bounded with exegetical explaining, analyzing with contrasting, comprehensive summarizing, logic inferring to give a brief study on the evolution of the theory of "Three Ages", to have a deeper insight of its processing in order to provide possible reference for contemporary construction of socialism with Chinese characteristics.There are3parts in this paper.The1st part is mainly introduces the aim, research status and the values of "Three Ages". The second part introduces the origin of "Three Ages" in theory. In the first place, the writer gives a short but brief introduction of traditional theory of "Three Ages", and its process of evolution and development in late Qing Dynasty. Secondly, it exams the relation between the transformation towards priority put forward by Kang Youwei and "Three Ages" theory and elaborates the basis, content, meanings and influences at different ages. The last one explores the heart of "Three Ages theory"—the social conception, the core, the rationality and the inherent contradiction. In conclusion part, this paper not only makes objective judgment on some defects of "Three Ages" theory but also states its scholastic position and the value that taken as a reference of current cultural development.