Thinking and Criticism

Author: Xu Zhongming
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2000-10-01
Features: The academic reviews in this book possess the depth of experts, demonstrating the ability to grasp the thought and academic background of the reviewed subjects, and blending creativity with appreciation. Through these reviews, we can not only better understand the reviewers but also see the reviewer's own intellectual realm and academic pursuits. Academic reviews are a reflection of academia based on empathetic understanding: a critique that itself is an academic pursuit, an academic of academics. The immaturity of law, to a large extent, is manifested in the lack of serious and scientific academic reviews. Therefore, the growth of academic reviews is precisely a sign of the maturity of law. This book can be considered one such sign. Academic reviews are often important ways and channels for scholars to engage in dialogue. However, one of the significant challenges is whether the reviewer can interpret the reviewed work based on a clear understanding of its original intent. Otherwise, bias may arise, leading to failed dialogue and potentially creating an academic chasm. Brother Zhongming's book reviews have made efforts to overcome this challenge, with outstanding results. His book reviews can be summarized in eight words: "Faithful to the original, clear in reasoning."
Introducing Western theories is like opening a window, while conducting criticism within the field is akin to sweeping the dust off the ground. Opening a window may not be easy, but with effort, it can eventually be done. Sweeping the ground, however, is much harder, as there are many left by predecessors and sages on the ground—sometimes they are not cleared away, and sometimes people are reluctant to sweep them. Nevertheless, I have seen people pick up the broom.