The 1978 Truth Criterion Controversy and Its Political Implications

The 1978 Truth Criterion Controbersy in China waw not only a theoretical but also a political debate. It resulted in the abolition of the 'Two Whatevers,' the mystifying Mao Zedon's theory which was the theoretical basis of Hua Guofeng Regime, and reallocation of the political coalitions in Hua Guofeng Regime. As a result, there were 'the emancipation of thought' and beginning of the transition of political power from Whateberists to Reformists including Deng Xiaoping as the core which were prerequisite for the Chinese Reform. The 1978 Truth Criterion Controversy was caused by the publication of "practice is the sole a criterion of the truth" named by 'Guangming Dai1ey special commentator.' But the results of the controversy was related to the politicization of theoretical problem and the restranints of the debate by Whateverists, the counterattack to the resσaints by the Practitioners and the direct or indirect intervention of the top leaders including Deng Xiaoping to the debate, and the diffusing of the debate to the all country and all parts of the society including the local lords and PLA. The pattems of Chinese political changes can be seen in the politicization of theoretical problem, the development prα， :esses of the political debate, and intervention of the top leaders to the political debate and their behaviors. It can therefore be concluded that the 1978 Truth Criterion Controversy has irnportant irnplications for the understanding of the Chinese political process