Value Theory

Theory of Value, a book with a total of 370,000 words, was published in 2007 by China Renmin University Press. This book was revised on the basis of the early works by Professor Li Deshun Theory of Value: A Study of Subjectivity (1987, China Renmin University Press). Before and after the publication of Theory of Value: A Study of Subjectivity, the philosophical circle in China was under the far-reaching influence of the mechanical materialism prevailing in the Former Soviet Union, which interpreted the issue of value as idealism and bourgeois and couldn t comprehend subjectivity of Man, the existence of truth in a state of interrelations and the pattern of process thinking and practical thinking. The book Value Theory: A Study of Subjectivity, with a focus on subjectivity, has not only resolved various questions concerning value, but also exerted deep changes on the thinking pattern of China's philosophical circle. Its publication has caused tremendous effect in public and has a profound and lasting social impact. Therefore, it has been granted the first National Book Award, Award for Research Achievements in the Humanities and Social Sciences (The Ministry of Education) and Award for Research Achievements in the Humanities and Social Sciences (Beijing Municipality). Afterwards, Professor Li Deshun has conducted a further research into relevant issues centered on the theory of value (theoretical issues, significance of discipline and application in practice) and the overall Marxist philosophy. Having pondered over these issues for twenty years and gained a fair knowledge in this field, Professor Li set about revising Theory of Value. This revised edition was published in 2007, which is the exact book we recommend to your press. Theory of Value has exerted a wide impact in China. Its influence reaches not only the philosophical circle but also the realms of law, political science, literature, archives science and even daily life of populace. To put in another way, it has influenced the values and the thinking pattern of a whole generation in China. Part of this book has been translated into English and Russian, and was introduced to former Soviet Union and the United States. Dr. John M. Abbarno, Professor of Philosophy in D'Youville College, former Chairman of International Association for Values, once expressed his hope to see the publication of the English version of Theory of Value.