Classics of Philosophy from Peking University. Selected Works of Tang Yongtong.

Author: Chen Lai
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-05-01
Features: This book reviews the achievements of 20th-century philosophical classics, with two points particularly prominent: , the philosophical research in modern Chinese philosophy is invariably based on the background of Western philosophy and its historical development. Not to mention scholars who studied abroad in Europe and America, even those with strong traditional characteristics, such as Liang Shuming and Xiong Shili, were profoundly influenced by Western philosophical concepts. Western philosophy is an exquisite representation of rational analysis and construction in human wisdom. Although the form of Western philosophy is special, many of its discussions are universal. While the discourse of Western philosophy is not the fundamental stipulation of what philosophy is, it has become the foundation of the modern philosophical discipline. Studying Western philosophy can provide an important universal method for researching other philosophies. In-depth understanding of Western philosophy and other philosophies in the world will promote our deeper understanding of our own philosophical traditions. Second, the creation of modern Chinese philosophical systems must establish a positive connection with the resources of traditional Chinese philosophy. As Chen Yinke said, "I suspect that if China, from today onwards, could faithfully introduce the thoughts of North America or Eastern Europe, the result would be no different from the Yogacara studies of Xuanzang." In the history of our thoughts, it could neither hold a high position nor ultimately perish. Those who could truly achieve a systematic philosophical thought and make innovations must, on one hand, absorb and introduce external doctrines, while on the other hand, not forget the position of their own nation. These two attitudes that are both contrasting and complementary are the true spirit of Taoism, the old path of Neo-Confucianism, and what two thousand years of our nation's intellectual contact with other ethnic groups has revealed." Xiong Shili's New Yi Studies, Liang Shuming's Neo-Confucianism, Feng Youlan's New Rationalism, He Lin's New Mind Studies, Jin Yulan's New Realism, and Zhang Dainian's New Materialism all consciously connect with classical Chinese philosophy to varying degrees and integrate with the practical aspects of Chinese cultural traditions. All the Chinese philosophers who achieved great success in constructing philosophical systems in the 20th century were like this. The selection of this series prioritizes highlighting the philosophical thoughts of these scholars, giving equal weight to famous works and notable essays. The selection aims to differ from existing collections, reflecting the unique editorial perspective and arrangement, thereby making this series distinctive in highlighting the contributions of these scholars to 20th-century Chinese philosophy while also offering the editors' unique interpretations. In the past two decades, the academic circles in mainland China have made remarkable achievements in researching contemporary Neo-Confucianism. This research began with China's reform and opening-up. After the doors were opened, scholars from overseas, primarily overseas Chinese scholars, followed by scholars from Hong Kong and Taiwan, came to mainland China to lecture. Subsequently, their papers and works were gradually introduced. Of course, this is only the external factor. The internal reason is that scholars in mainland China reflected on the harm caused by the May Fourth Movement to "Cultural Revolution" to traditional culture and the cultural heritage of our nation, and rethought the relationship between tradition and modernity.