Hu Shi

Author: Liu Mengxi, Editor-in-Chief
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 1996-10-01
Features: Hu Shi was one of the main leaders of the New Culture Movement. His works, such as A History of Vernacular Literature and Outlines of the History of Chinese Philosophy, were pioneering in establishing new literary histories and laying the foundation for academic disciplines. Additionally, he pioneered the study of redology, revised the history of Chan Buddhism, and used the historical evolution method to research Chinese serial novels, all of which set new trends. This volume includes Outlines of the History of Chinese Philosophy (Part One), The Philosophy of Dai Dongyuan, and eleven literary essays. Hu Shi (1891–1962), originally named Hu Hong, styled Shizhi, was a famous modern scholar from Jixi, Anhui. In 1910, he studied abroad in the United States, entering Cornell University before transferring to Columbia University. He studied under John Dewey and was deeply influenced by his experimental philosophy. In early 1917, he published On the Improvement of Literature in New Youth. That same year, he returned to China and became a professor at Peking University. He participated in editing New Youth and published essays such as On the Historical Concept of Literature and On the Construction of Literary Revolution, as well as the new poetry collection Poetry of Trial, becoming a highly influential figure in the New Culture Movement. Throughout his life, Hu Shi made contributions in philosophy, literature, history, and classical literary criticism. His works include Fifty Years of Chinese Literature, Collected Writings of Hu Shi, A History of Vernacular Literature, and Studies on Chinese Serial Novels. His academic activities primarily focused on history, literature, and philosophy, with major works including Outlines of the History of Chinese Philosophy (Part One), Poetry of Trial, A History of Vernacular Literature (Part One), and Collected Writings of Hu Shi (Volume Four). In academia, his greatest influence was promoting the research method of "、" (bold hypotheses and careful verification). In his later years, he devoted himself to the textual criticism of The Waterways of China, but died before completing the final draft. He passed away in Taipei in 1962.