Abstract

Due to the Reform and Openness of China’s market, Chinese people are increasingly aware of subjective and civic consciousness. What’s more, the attention to and demand for public affairs, public life and public spirit is increasing. Correspondingly, the research on publicness is becoming an academic hotspot, and divergent opinions are inevitable. This paper discusses publicness from the philosophical perspective. The difference between eastern and western contexts and disciplinary perspectives is noteworthy as is a self-conscious critical spirit and democratic consciousness of enlightenment. Finally, the real problems of contemporary China should be focused on, so that research on publicness can play its due role in the realization of China’s modernization.