Mind, Knowledge, and Morality: Hayek's Moral Philosophy and Research on Its Foundations

Author: Ma Yongxiang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-08-01
Features: This book is a work with considerable original content among Chinese literature in related research fields. Few scholars of Hayek in China have delved into cognitive science, and Ma Yongxiang's work picks up the thread of recent Western academic mainstream research in cognitive science, moral behaviorism, and evolutionary psychology, making it particularly important. — Wang Dingding
The author has grasped a unique perspective for organizing and interpreting Hayek's thought, namely explaining and extending other core arguments in Hayek's entire theoretical system from the perspective of mentalism. The book's topic demonstrates outstanding innovation based on a thorough reading of the texts, broadening the scope of Hayek studies and providing intellectual inspiration and references for deeper and wider discussions. — Deng Zhenglai
Hayek was one of the most important thinkers of the 20th century, and perhaps the one whose thought and theories were most respected and recognized in his later years despite long periods of neglect or criticism. Hayek had a rich life and academic journey. In his early years, he was deeply influenced by the vibrant academic and artistic atmosphere in Vienna, where he showed great promise. Before World War II, he moved to the London School of Economics in the UK, engaging in debates with the highly esteemed Keynes. After the war, he moved to the United States, teaching at the Committee on Social Thought at the University of Chicago, where he remained dedicated to his work, publishing numerous major works even after the age of fifty. He had a broad vision and profound insights, not only winning the Nobel Prize in Economics but also producing extensive research in political and moral philosophy, social theory, legal philosophy, and the history of ideas. However, although his research fields and methods were diverse, resembling a "fox," his fundamental concerns and ideas remained steadfastly "hedgehog-like." In a sense, Hayek's life and writings can be seen as a witness to the 20th century.
Hayek's thought has been extensively studied both domestically and internationally. However, Yongxiang's Mind, Knowledge, and Morality chooses to approach Hayek's cognitive theory, which is relatively neglected both in Chinese academia and in Western academia, as well as quite complex and difficult to understand, to conduct an in-depth study of the foundations of his moral philosophy. It can be said that this book presents a new perspective and approach for Hayek studies both domestically and internationally.
To write this book, Yongxiang gathered and meticulously organized a comprehensive collection of original materials from Hayek's works and research, directly working from foreign sources, ensuring the reliability of the data. Based on a thorough grasp of a large amount of primary data, he also applied his intellectual drive and philosophical insight, bringing them to a level of rigorous analysis. The logic is clear, each point is well-connected, the writing is standardized, and the footnotes are detailed, demonstrating a holistic perspective and revealing his unique insights in several places. Overall, it is a solidly grounded, insightful, and rare work.
However, some issues related to modernity or the complexities and even the darkness of human nature seem to have not fallen within Hayek's scope. For example, in Hayek, there is a lack of the tension and anxiety that Weber faced in modernity—is this not also a limitation? Or why is it so? I believe these aspects could be further explored and excavated in future research.
Yongxiang comes from a family of scholars, and in his childhood, he roamed the landscapes of Hunan and Hubei. He initially studied computer science as an undergraduate, then political science, and later ethics for his doctoral studies, effectively transitioning from natural sciences to social sciences and then to the humanities. He also demonstrated strong interest and ability in action, but ultimately devoted himself to academic and intellectual pursuits. These extensive and unique experiences and training will undoubtedly greatly benefit his future research work.
At the beginning of the 21st century, Yongxiang came to Peking University to study under me for three years, and we have had many interactions. Our teacher-student relationship is deep, and I firmly believe in his rigorous academic style and capable work ethic. The translation of Diogenes Laertius's Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers that he led is also a testament to his dedication, receiving considerable attention and praise.
Yongxiang has a multifaceted and solid theoretical and knowledge foundation, possessing the insight and potential for philosophical work. He has an intellectual burst yet knows how to regulate it, with a genuine and clear sense of inquiry and the ability to continuously refine his research topics and improve his methods, showing a promising research capability. He has great potential for the future, and I sincerely hope for his success. This preface is written with these thoughts in mind.