Tradition and Beyond: A Modern Interpretation of Chinese Philosophy

Author: Zheng Wange
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-01-01
Features: In recent years, cultural issues have become one of the important concerns of the world, and traditional Chinese culture seems to have become the center of attention, sparking heated discussions and giving rise to what is known as the "cultural boom" and the "national studies boom." In this process, academia has reflected on traditional Chinese culture and philosophy, reinterpreting ancient classics in various ways, achieving fruitful research results. Now, "promoting the fine traditional culture" has become a consensus among the Chinese people. Chinese philosophy is the core of Chinese culture. In-depth study of Chinese philosophy is of great significance for promoting the fine traditions of Chinese culture, resisting national nihilism, enhancing people's theoretical thinking abilities, improving the comprehensive quality of the entire nation, and strengthening spiritual civilization construction.
Over the long course of its development, Chinese philosophy has gradually formed its own unique concepts, categories, and propositions, constituting a distinctive way of thinking. It differs distinctly from Western and Indian philosophies in its distinctive national characteristics, making valuable contributions to the history of human culture. Chinese philosophy is rich in traditions of materialism and dialectical thinking. The pre-Qin period saw a multitude of philosophical schools with rich content, exploring a wide range of philosophical issues, ranking among the few higher forms of philosophy in the world at the same time. During the Wei and Jin periods, scholars were fond of "discussing names and analyzing reasoning," and their philosophical systems were even more dialectical. The Neo-Confucian scholars of the Song and Ming dynasties generally emphasized discussions on "metaphysics" and "phenomenology." Building on the absorption of Taoist and Buddhist thought, they delved more deeply and broadly into various philosophical issues, establishing relatively complete philosophical systems and ushering in a new period in the development of Chinese philosophy. The view that Chinese philosophy lacks theoretical form is not in line with reality.
This book is divided into four chapters: I Ching Philosophy, Confucian Philosophy, Religious Philosophy, and Chinese Philosophy and Chinese Culture, studying Chinese philosophy as well as the basic theories of traditional culture and traditional philosophy.