Contemporary Chinese Academic Debates

Author: Qian Mu
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2001-06-01
Features: The author provides a concise overview of new fields in modern Chinese academia such as religion, philosophy, science, psychology, history, archaeology, education, political science, sociology, literature, art, and music. From a comparative perspective between China and the West, he highlights the fundamental difference between Chinese and Western art, as well as thought and cultural traditions: "China emphasizes harmony and integration, while the West emphasizes separation and independence." Additionally, he returns each modern academic field to its traditional roots, pointing out their inherent connections and mutual strengths and weaknesses, thereby revealing that "Chinese and Western traditions, old and new, differ yet also share similarities, and can still be integrated and reconciled." With a broad perspective and concrete arguments, the author analyzes in an accessible manner the complex situation and future direction of modern Chinese academia.