Ecological Rationality and the Construction of China's Autonomous Theoretical System of Ecological Philosophy: Foundational Positioning and Practical Pathways

Abstract

Ecological rationality is not only a key category for understanding the internal logic of contemporary ecological philosophy, but also an indispensable theoretical fulcrum for constructing China's autonomous theoretical system of ecological philosophy. Building on a comprehensive clarification of the intricate relationship between ecological philosophy and ecological rationality, this article defines ecological rationality as a complex form of rationality premised on ecological holism, oriented toward harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature, and realized through practical reason. It first reconstructs the historical trajectory and problem shift of ecological philosophy, then systematically explains the inner logic through which ecological philosophy develops into ecological rationality from both temporal and spatial dimensions. On this solid basis, the study summarizes the basic connotations and principles of ecological rationality and critically analyzes its foundational role in the construction of China's autonomous theoretical system of ecological philosophy from ontological, axiological, methodological, and discursive perspectives. Finally, in light of ecological civilization construction in the new era, Chinese modernization, and global ecological governance, it proposes actionable practical pathways for advancing theoretical system-building through ecological rationality. Ultimately, the article argues that ecological rationality is not merely a core category within China's autonomous theoretical system of ecological philosophy, but also a crucial theoretical thread connecting the knowledge system, discourse system, and practical system.