Selected Works of Hu Shih

Author: Hu Shi
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-07-01
Features: Editing The Selected Works of Hu Shi—Classics of Philosophy from Peking University is a meaningful endeavor. It not only helps people re-evaluate Hu Shi's pioneering role in the development of philosophy at Peking University but also promotes Hu Shi's "Sinological" tradition in studying the history of Chinese philosophy. This book reviews the achievements of these 20th-century philosophical classics, with two points being particularly prominent:
First, the study of modern Chinese philosophy is invariably grounded in Western philosophy and its historical development as a reference. This is true not only for scholars who studied abroad in the West but also for those with strong traditional characteristics, such as Liang Shuming and Xiong Shili. Their philosophical awareness has been profoundly influenced by Western philosophical ideas. Western philosophy represents the refined expression of rational analysis and construction in human wisdom. Although the form of Western philosophy is unique, many of its discussions are universal. While the discourse of Western philosophy is not the fundamental definition of what philosophy is, it has become the foundation of modern philosophy. Studying Western philosophy provides an important and universally meaningful method for researching other philosophies. A deeper understanding of Western philosophy and the philosophies of other parts of the world will enhance our 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 this day forward, could faithfully introduce the thoughts of North America or Eastern Europe, the result would be no different from the Yogacara school introduced by Xuanzang." In the history of Chinese thought, such ideas could neither occupy a high position nor ultimately persist. Those who could truly establish their own philosophical systems and achieve original contributions must, on one hand, absorb and introduce external doctrines while, on the other hand, not forget the position of their own national heritage. These two attitudes—contrary yet complementary—are the true spirit of Taoism, the old path of Neo-Confucianism, and what two thousand years of intellectual exchange between our nation and others has revealed.
Xiong Shili's New Yi School, 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 to classical Chinese philosophy to varying degrees and integrate with the practical aspects of Chinese cultural traditions. The 20th-century Chinese philosophers who achieved remarkable success in constructing philosophical systems all followed this path.
The selection of this series prioritizes highlighting the philosophical thoughts of these scholars, giving equal weight to masterpieces and notable works. The editors have strived to differentiate this series from existing collections, reflecting their unique selection and organizational vision. Thus, the series not only highlights the contributions of these scholars to 20th-century Chinese philosophy but also features the editors' original interpretations.
In the past two decades, 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, first overseas Chinese scholars, and then scholars from Hong Kong and Taiwan, came to mainland China to lecture. Subsequently, their papers and works were gradually introduced. Of course, this was only an external factor. The internal reason lies in the mainland scholars' reflection on the harm caused by the May Fourth Movement and the Cultural Revolution to traditional culture and the heritage of their own nation, leading them to re-examine the relationship between tradition and modernity.