Philosophical Purification: Engaging in a Rational Dialogue with the Absolute

Author: Cao Xing
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-01-01
Features: The "ultimate concern" of this book is a distillation of the essence of modern spirituality and a response of philosophy to modern problems. The perspectives of this book are twofold:
First, an extreme philosophical theoretical concern. What is the essence of the spirit of modern philosophy? After science has gradually stripped away the philosophical territory, leaving philosophy "homeless," should it "retire to its homeland" or "roam the world," or should it withdraw from the historical stage? Can philosophy truly "roam the world"? "Summarizing philosophy in a few words" has always been the dream of philosophers for thousands of years. This book summarizes it in one sentence: "Philosophy is a special cultural form through which humanity engages in a rational dialogue with the absolute." The aspiration of this book lies in achieving a civilized dialogue among philosophers, transforming the "battlefield of mutual criticism and negation" into a peaceful and civilized dialogue.
Second, an extreme concern for reality, focusing on the philosophical spirit and the crux of modern problems. Most of the hot issues in the world today are concentrated on ethnic and religious problems, intertwined as the "hottest of the hotspots." As early as the last century, people had hoped that the 21st century would be a peaceful and prosperous era. However, things did not go as planned—the 21st century has been an era of unrest. Just a few years into the century, the "9·11" incident occurred, followed by many major upheavals. In the face of a conflict-ridden reality, philosophers cannot stand idly by; they should explore its epistemological roots. From the essence of national spirit, particularly the human spirit of the 21st century, to seek philosophical approaches for a wise and civilized dialogue that can mitigate ethnic and religious conflicts, becomes the mission of this book.