Cultivating Public Spirit In The Public Sphere

Along with the process of modernization in China, construction of modern society is raised as a new concept involving building self-rule organizations, extending democracy at the grassroots level, and promoting democratic autonomy. Modernization of management requires change of administrative ways as well as current situation of citizen’ unconcern about affairs and lacking sense of belonging. It is ideal for citizen to participate in management of public affairs, which means public sphere should be built for citizen’ open discussion on such affairs, and rational public opinions and actions being formed according to the principles of democracy and equality.Rational debate within the public sphere creates modern public spirit, namely, public morality, public reason, and public participation.Based on traditional virtues of China, including Kindness, righteousness, propriety, wisdom and trustworthiness, modern public spirit takes shape as moral reason of more than justice, rationality and courage, meanwhile is in the practice of life style and attitude concerning public actions.This exactly meets the requirement of developing citizen, public spirits during construction of modern, and therefore could contribute to building culture with cohesion and sense of belonging.In addition, via a case study of Citizens Forum, a public sphere built by a social organization named I You She, the thesis discusses operational mode with regard to fostering modern public spirit in public sphere, as well as practical and promotional value of Citizens Forum.