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The Chinese Mind: Essentials of Chinese Philosophy and Culture
What are the basic, unique characteristics of the Chinese mind, of the Chinese philosophical tradition & of the Chinese culture based upon that tradition? Here, in a series of essays by men of exceptional competence & insight, is an interdisciplinary approach to the essentials of Chinese philosophy & culture.
Composed exclusively of chapters selected from the proceedings volumes resulting from the four East-West Philosophers' Conferences held at the University of Hawaii in 1939, 1949, 1959 & 1964. Indexed.
Composed exclusively of chapters selected from the proceedings volumes resulting from the four East-West Philosophers' Conferences held at the University of Hawaii in 1939, 1949, 1959 & 1964. Indexed.
- GenresChinaPhilosophy
416 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1967
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
October 30, 2020
This is an old classic from the 1960s, featuring a host of Western-based Chinese scholars trying to articulate the enduring legacy of China’s civilization, which would hopefully out-last any excesses of political fervor during the height of Mao’s cultural revolution. In many places it is far too abstract, but there are many fascinating highlights.
Hu Shih presents a detailed account of how Chinese scholars, starting almost 2,000 years ago, began investigating the authenticity of established classical scriptures, tracing their true origins, exposing fabrications, and building a tradition of critical inquiry concerning received “truth.”
John C.H. Wu documents the gradual transformation of Confucian ethics, from a pro-egalitarian ethic of partnership and reciprocity, into a dominator chain of command, with rights and obligations determined according to rank in both society and the family. Wu then tries to show how “Westernization” of the Chinese legal system after 1910 actually helped China to recover something of Confucianism’s more original legal principles.
Wing-tsat Chan assesses the qualities of China’s traditional religions, and stresses several positive features. He sees a tendency for focusing on the present quality of life rather than the soul’s status in another world. He feels that China’s religions have offered ways for people to develop their own potential, rather than encouraging appeals for help from higher powers. He claims that China’s traditions have affirmed the right to choose one’s own political and religious leaders, rather than affirming the rights of leaders to require and enforce loyalty.
These scholars are looking for the best in Chinese tradition, and they find some.
Hu Shih presents a detailed account of how Chinese scholars, starting almost 2,000 years ago, began investigating the authenticity of established classical scriptures, tracing their true origins, exposing fabrications, and building a tradition of critical inquiry concerning received “truth.”
John C.H. Wu documents the gradual transformation of Confucian ethics, from a pro-egalitarian ethic of partnership and reciprocity, into a dominator chain of command, with rights and obligations determined according to rank in both society and the family. Wu then tries to show how “Westernization” of the Chinese legal system after 1910 actually helped China to recover something of Confucianism’s more original legal principles.
Wing-tsat Chan assesses the qualities of China’s traditional religions, and stresses several positive features. He sees a tendency for focusing on the present quality of life rather than the soul’s status in another world. He feels that China’s religions have offered ways for people to develop their own potential, rather than encouraging appeals for help from higher powers. He claims that China’s traditions have affirmed the right to choose one’s own political and religious leaders, rather than affirming the rights of leaders to require and enforce loyalty.
These scholars are looking for the best in Chinese tradition, and they find some.
May 27, 2019
A good introductory text for stepping into the world of Chinese Philosophy
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews