Nationality and Contemporaneity: A Comparative Study of Modern New Confucianism and Postmodernism

Author: Li Xianghai
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-04-01
Features: This book is the final outcome of the author's“”——“Modern Neo-Confucianism and Postmodernism: A Comparative Study.” Modern Neo-Confucianism and postmodernism are regarded as two major intellectual trends that "rapidly emerged" and "attracted significant attention" in China's intellectual and cultural circles at the turn of the century. The author takes these two intellectual trends as the research subjects, not only discussing and elaborating on the social and cultural background, developmental history, and fundamental theoretical characteristics of modern Neo-Confucianism and postmodernism, but also conducting an in-depth consideration, revelation, and analysis of their fundamental similarities and differences from the perspective of global cultural interaction and comparative studies, as well as from the dimensions of "nationality" and "contemporaneity." The book elucidates the characteristic of modern Neo-Confucianism in seeking the unification of religious spirit, philosophical spirit, and scientific spirit, while pointing out that the basic theoretical value orientation of postmodernism is the interweaving of "freedom" and "nihilism." From the philosophical perspective of moving toward a new "axial age," the book offers innovative and forward-looking explorations into important issues such as the modern developmental journey of Chinese culture, its contemporary value, and future direction.