Cultural subtleties in Chinese and Western contexts

Author: Wang Caiyong
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-11-01
Features: This book discards the cultural philosophy approach that moves from concept to concept, focusing instead on the contemporary (Chinese and Western) contexts. It provides a concise and meticulous exposition of the Sino-Western convergence characteristics of today's culture using concrete facts and thorough arguments. From historical and contemporary perspectives, it identifies the points of collision and entry points of this convergence, and further outlines the specific paths for cultural self-awareness inspired by these insights. The book does not deliberately construct new theories or doctrines, yet it occasionally sparkles with refreshing ideas.
China is currently in a rapid phase of economic globalization, while a new round of cultural choices also looms before it. Traditional Chinese culture spanning thousands of years, the modern cultural spirit of the West, and the postmodern cultural crisis coexist simultaneously. How can we grasp the essence and direction of contemporary Chinese culture? How should we view the Eastern orientation of Western culture? With a foundation in philosophy and sociology, and drawing on his experiences of traveling across China and living in the West for 10 years, the author focuses on the interrelatedness of Sino-Western cultures, deliberately abandoning the binary thinking of East and West. From both theoretical and real-life perspectives, he presents his unique insights.
The book is divided into five chapters:
1. From the East to the West
2. Interpreting Contemporary Western Culture
3. Examining the Traditional Culture Embedded in Us
4. The Cultural Landscape of Contemporary China
5. Cultural Choices in the Era of Globalization