Affective Rationality and Poetic Discourse

Author: Cao Weidong
Author Country: China
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2001-04-01
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Postscript: Although I have made substantial adjustments, revisions, and additions to the book, I am fully aware that due to my lack of philosophical cultivation, there are still shortcomings in it. I sincerely hope to receive help and corrections from all sides. During my study in Hong Kong, I once discussed my graduation thesis with a senior of Professor Zou Ang. He told me a story about Professor Zou. Once, when he was holding a thick manuscript of his doctoral thesis and earnestly sought Professor Zou's advice, he didn't expect Professor Zou to smile calmly and say, "A small doctoral thesis, why take it so seriously? As long as you focus on being a good person and study diligently, that's enough." Of course, what Professor Zou meant was not that his students shouldn't take their doctoral thesis seriously, but that the prerequisite for a student to do well in their thesis is to be sincere in being a person and diligent in studying. With these two prerequisites, there is no need to worry about failing to complete the thesis well. During my doctoral studies under the guidance of Professor Qian Zhongwen, although everything was not entirely satisfactory or outstanding, I at least managed to fulfill the two points of "being sincere in being a person and diligent in studying." The revised doctoral thesis is a "finished product" after several rounds of deletions and revisions by Professor Qian. From the initial proposal and arguments to the framework structure and specific wording, it is filled with Professor Qian's guidance and corrections. To have encountered such a serious, strict, and profound supervisor is a privilege and honor to me. This thesis is a part of my larger research project, "Interpretive Rationality and Modern Design—Habermas and the Modernity of China," and it is also a foundational part. According to the plan, this research project should also include the status of Habermas's theory of modernity in the Western sociological tradition, especially its historical impact on the Frankfurt School, as well as the potential interactive relationship between Habermas's theory of modernity and the Chinese context.
When it comes to Habermas research, I would like to specially thank my master's supervisor, Professor Yue Daiyun of the Institute of Comparative Literature and Comparative Culture at Peking University. It was her correct guidance and strict teaching that led me to the challenging yet enjoyable research topic of "The Historical Impact of the Frankfurt School in the Context of Modernity." Additionally, I would like to thank Professor Habermas himself, Professor Axel Honneth of the Institute for Social Research at the University of Frankfurt, Professor Ingo Mans of the Department of Political Science at the University of Frankfurt, Professor Hans-Peter Krüger of the Department of Philosophy at the University of Potsdam, as well as Dr. Hart and Dr. Bernd Stiegler of SuKap Verlag. During my study at the Institute for Social Research at the University of Frankfurt, they provided me with patient and thorough help in daily life, academia, and resources. My doctoral studies were in a "part-time work, part-time study" status. The position I held was at the Comparative Literature Research Office of the Institute of Literature at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. This collective was centered around Researcher Zhou Fayan and Ms. Sun Ge, including Deputy Researcher Cheng Ma, Deputy Researcher Chen Yangu, Deputy Researcher Li Yan, Researcher Chen Shengsheng, and Deputy Researcher Zhao Yuanfan. They are all my good teachers and friends. During my studies, they repeatedly tolerated and forgave my immaturity in many aspects, enthusiastically helped me overcome numerous practical difficulties in work and study, and allowed me to basically balance both work and study. During my studies at the Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, a group of friends with similar interests (Qu Jindong, Fu Degeng, Wang Mingyi, etc.) formed a reading community. In the process of reading, discussion, and debate, their merciless criticism gave me motivation and confidence, which remains unforgettable to this day. Led by Professor Tong Qingbing, the thesis defense committee (including Researcher Du Shuying, Researcher Ye Tingfang, Professor Yang Hengda, Professor Wang Yichuan, Professor Jin Yuanku, and Professor Tao Dongfeng) raised many sharp questions during the thesis defense and provided excellent guidance for further revisions. Especially Professor Tong Qingbing, to prepare for my thesis defense, he even spent time and effort collecting and reading many relevant literature and materials, greatly facilitating my thesis revisions. Mr. Shi Jian is my long-time close friend. With his wisdom, he created favorable conditions for the rapid publication of the thesis, which deeply moved me. Ms. Bansongmei of China International Airlines, Mr. Cao Ren, and I formed a living community. The three of us strive every day to put "interpretive rationality" into practice, though filled with numerous difficulties and frequent conflicts among us, the interruptions of successful interactions were more frequent than their achievements, yet we always maintained a determined and optimistic attitude, actively working and never giving up. Without their encouragement and support, my studies and research would not have persisted, let alone achieved some success.
Cao Weidong
July 22, 2000
At the Institute for Social Research, University of Frankfurt