Selected Works of Xiong Shili / Classics of Peking University Philosophy Gate

Author: Chen Lai, Editor-in-Chief; Xiong Shili, Author
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-05-01
Features: This book reviews the achievements of these 20th-century philosophical classics, with two points being particularly prominent:
First, the philosophical research in modern Chinese philosophy is invariably conducted with Western philosophy and its historical development as a reference background. This is true not only for scholars who studied abroad in Europe and America but also for those with traditional characteristics, such as Liang Shuming and Xiong Shili, whose philosophical awareness has been profoundly influenced by Western philosophical ideas. Western philosophy represents the refined expression of rational analysis and construction in human wisdom. While the form of Western philosophy is unique, many of its discussions are universal in nature. Although the discourse of Western philosophy is not the fundamental definition of what constitutes philosophy, 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 enable us to gain a more profound insight into our own philosophical traditions.
Second, the creation of philosophical systems in modern China must establish a positive connection with the resources of traditional Chinese philosophy. As Chen Yinke said, "I suspect that if China were to faithfully introduce the thoughts of North America or Eastern Europe in the future, the result would be no different from the case of Xuanzang's Yogacara studies, which could neither occupy a high position in the history of our thought nor ultimately persist." Those who could truly create a systematic philosophy and achieve original insights must, on the one hand, absorb and introduce foreign doctrines while, on the other hand, not forget the position of their own nation. These two attitudes—contradictory yet complementary—are the true spirit of Taoism, the old path of Neo-Confucianism, and what two thousand years of intellectual contact between our nation and other ethnic groups has revealed.
Xiong Shili's New Yi Studies, Liang Shuming's Neo-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 with 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 emphasizes the philosophical thoughts of these scholars, giving equal weight to both masterpieces and notable works. The editors have strived to differentiate this series from existing collections, reflecting their unique selection and creative arrangement. 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 research on contemporary Neo-Confucianism in mainland China has yielded remarkable achievements. This research began with China's reform and opening-up. After the doors were opened, overseas scholars, primarily overseas Chinese scholars, followed by 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 reflection of mainland scholars on the harm caused by the May Fourth Movement and the Cultural Revolution to traditional culture and the heritage of their own nation, leading to a re-examination of the relationship between tradition and modernity.