Selected Works of Feng Youlan / Classic Writings from the Philosophy Gate of Peking University

Author: Chen Lai
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-05-01
Features: This book reviews the achievements of these 20th-century philosophical classics, with two points being particularly prominent: , the philosophical research of modern Chinese philosophy is invariably based on the background of Western philosophy and its developmental history. It goes without saying that scholars who studied abroad in Europe and America; even those with strong traditional characteristics, such as Liang Shuming and Xiong Shili, were profoundly influenced by Western philosophical concepts. Western philosophy is an exquisite representation of rational analysis and construction in human wisdom. Although the form of Western philosophy is special, many of the discussions within it are universal. While the discourse of Western philosophy is not the fundamental criterion that defines philosophy, it has become the foundation of the modern philosophical discipline. Studying Western philosophy can provide an important and universally meaningful method for researching other philosophies. In-depth understanding of Western philosophy and other philosophies in the world will promote our deeper understanding of our own philosophical traditions. Second, the creation of modern Chinese philosophical systems must establish a positive connection with the resources of traditional Chinese philosophy. As Chen Yinke said, "I suspect that if China is able to faithfully introduce the thoughts of North America or Eastern Europe in the future, the result will be equivalent to the Yogacara philosophy of Xuanzang," which could neither occupy a high position in the history of our thought nor ultimately perish. Those who could truly create a systematic thought and achieve something must, on the one hand, absorb and introduce foreign doctrines, and on the other hand, not forget the position of their own nation. These two attitudes that are both contrary and complementary are the true spirit of Taoism, the old path of Neo-Confucianism, and what two thousand years of our nation's intellectual contact with other ethnic groups has revealed. Xiong Shili's New Yi Studies, Liang Shuming's New 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 combine with the practical aspects of Chinese cultural traditions. All the Chinese philosophers who achieved great success in constructing philosophical systems in the 20th century were like this. The selection of this series emphasizes the highlighting of their philosophical thoughts, giving equal weight to masterpieces and notable works. The selection aims to differ from existing collections, reflecting the editor's unique perspective and arrangement, thereby making this series not only highlight the contributions of these scholars to the creation and research of 20th-century Chinese philosophy but also feature the unique interpretations of the series' editors.