A Philosophical Study On Urban Development Based On Marx’s’ And Engels’ Theories

Urbanization is both the historical task of our country’s socialist modernization, and the great potential of economic and social development in the future. An in-depth study of the theoretical thoughts on city development of Marx and Engels will help us to better grasp the rule of urban development and draw lessons from the past urban construction. We should explore the new route of urbanization suitable for our country with Marx’s and Engel’s thoughts on urban development as theoretical guidance, combining the theory and practice, and the concrete national conditions of our country. It is of significance for keeping the stable growth of economy and building a comprehensive well-off society.This thesis is composed of three parts. In the first part, the author mainly discusses the connotations of Marx’s and Engel’s urban development theories, the origin, development, essence of cities, and also the dynamics of urban development as well. In the second part, the author states the main content of Marx’s and Engel’s urban thoughts, including the investigation and criticism of housing problems and civil society at that time; the analysis of city relationships and urban-rural opposition; and the envisage of urban-rural integration and harmonious development between urban and rural areas in the future. In the third part, the author mainly expounds the enlightenment of Marx’s and Engel’s urban thoughts on urban development of contemporary China. First of all, the author analyzes the urban development of our country in different phases which is composed of not only achievements but also lessons of experience. Secondly, the author analyzes the problems and challenges during the course of urbanization in our country, including unbalanced territorial structure in urban development, cultural default in urban development, inadequate supply of systems and prominent social contradictions.Finally, the author puts forward suggestions in speeding up urban development. For example, taking the road of brand-new urbanization with Chinese characteristics; advancing comprehensively urban modernization with planning as the lead; stressing the urban peculiarity to prevent identical structure; building a harmonious living environment with people-oriented awareness, and so on and so forth.