Standing Tall Through Mutual Interpretation Between China and the West: A New Positioning of Chinese Philosophy and Culture

Author: (USA) Cheng Chung-ying
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-07-01
Features: How can Chinese philosophy develop an integrated theory of wisdom that combines rationality and humanity, knowledge and values? How can Chinese culture provide an ideal vision for human civilization to overcome conflicts and create global harmony and peace? Philosophy is the creation of the mind, an understanding of the truth of the world and its value, and the realization of human ontological existence, simultaneously possessing both practicality and idealism. Therefore, without philosophy, there can be no culture; thus, only a reflective human being can grasp the power of the mind and spirit, engage in creative thinking; and therefore, make discoveries and create culture. Intellectuals have a dual fundamental responsibility towards society and culture. , we should understand our lives, we should not close ourselves off, we should have the courage to face reality, the responsibility to grasp it and then critique it. Second, as intellectuals, we should propose ideals and strive to realize them. In summary, to achieve social progress, we must first understand society, then propose ideals and strive to realize them. This is our dual responsibility towards society and culture. I very much hope that in the future, philosophy can not only step out of the narrow alley of technical research but also descend from its ethereal and lofty realm, reaching the general public and various cultural sectors, stimulating and guiding the creative development of culture, creating a new breakthrough in human culture, and ensuring that the difficulties and crises faced by humanity can find satisfactory solutions. Due to its profound wisdom and deep life experience, Chinese philosophy is bound to make the greatest contributions in this regard. Chinese culture has gone through a long journey of thousands of years, containing abundant treasures and holding an extremely important position in the history of human culture. However, since the 19th century, Chinese culture has begun to face unprecedented crises and challenges. How to further explore the potential vitality and dynamism of Chinese culture is a question that people have been continuously exploring for over a century. This book collects 19 articles by Professor Cheng Chung-ying. In these articles, Professor Cheng primarily analyzes the characteristics and values of Chinese culture from the perspective of philosophical research, compares the similarities and differences between Chinese and Western cultures, and argues the importance of modernizing and globalizing Chinese philosophy and culture, proposing pathways and methods to achieve these goals.