Selected Works of Hu Shi / Classic Writings of the Philosophy Department of Peking University

Author: Chen Lai
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-05-01
Features: Editing The Selected Works of Hu Shi—Classic Writings of the Peking University Philosophy Department is a meaningful endeavor. It not only helps people recognize Hu Shi's pioneering role in the development of philosophy at Peking University but also promotes the "Sinological" tradition of Hu Shi's research on the history of Chinese philosophy. This book reviews the achievements of these 20th-century philosophical classics, with two points being particularly prominent:
First, the study of modern Chinese philosophy is invariably grounded in Western philosophy and its historical development as a reference background. This is true not only for scholars who studied abroad in the West but also for those with strong traditional characteristics, such as Liang Shuming and Xiong Shili. Their philosophical awareness has been profoundly influenced by Western philosophical ideas. Western philosophy represents the exquisite embodiment of rational analysis and construction in human wisdom. While the form of Western philosophy is unique, many of its discussions are universal. Although the discourse of Western philosophy is not the fundamental definition of what constitutes philosophy, it has become the foundation of modern philosophical disciplines. 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 enhance our grasp 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 Yinque once 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 Yogācāra studies." Such thoughts could neither occupy a high position in the history of our thought nor ultimately persist. Those who truly achieve systematic philosophical innovation and contributions must, on one hand, absorb and introduce external 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 exchange between our nation and others 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 integrate with the practical aspects of Chinese cultural traditions. All the Chinese philosophers who achieved notable success in constructing philosophical systems in the 20th century followed this path.
The selection of this series prioritizes the highlighting of the philosophical thoughts of these scholars, giving equal weight to masterpieces and seminal works. The selection aims to differ from existing collections, reflecting the unique editorial and organizational vision of the compilers. Thus, the series not only emphasizes the contributions of these scholars to the creation and study of 20th-century Chinese philosophy but also features the compilers' distinctive 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, scholars from overseas, 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 inflicted by the May Fourth Movement and the Cultural Revolution on traditional culture and the heritage of their own nation, leading to a re-examination of the relationship between tradition and modernity.