Selected Works of Feng Youlan

Author: Chen Lai Feng Youlan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-05-01
Features: This book reviews the achievements of these 20th-century philosophical classics, with two points being particularly prominent. , the philosophical research of modern Chinese philosophy is invariably based on the background of Western philosophy and its historical development. It goes without saying that scholars who studied abroad in Europe and America; even those with strong traditional characteristics, such as Liang Shuming and Xiong Shili, their philosophical awareness has been 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 on issues are universal. While the discourse of Western philosophy may not be the fundamental stipulation of what constitutes philosophy, it has become the foundation of the modern philosophical discipline. Studying Western philosophy can provide an important and universally meaningful 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 is able to faithfully introduce the thoughts of North America or Eastern Europe in the future, the result will be no different from the Yogacara studies of Xuanzang." In the history of our thoughts, it cannot occupy a high position and will ultimately cease to exist. Those who can truly achieve a systematic and innovative understanding of thought on their own must, on the one hand, absorb and introduce external doctrines, and on the other hand, not forget the position of their own nation. These two attitudes, which are both contradictory 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 New Confucianism, Feng Youlan's New Rationalism, He Lin's New Mindology, 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 emphasizes the prominence of their philosophical thoughts, giving equal weight to masterpieces and renowned works. The selection aims to differ from existing collections, reflecting the unique editorial perspective and arrangement, thereby highlighting the contributions of these scholars to the creation and research of 20th-century Chinese philosophy while also featuring the unique interpretations of the series' editors.