Book Details

History of Chinese Philosophy

History of Chinese Philosophy

Feng Youlan / East China Normal University Press /July 1, 2011

"History of Chinese Philosophy" is Mr. Feng Youlan's masterpiece and is recognized as the first complete history of Chinese philosophy with modern significance. The book not only laid the foundation for the discipline of Chinese history of philosophy, but also had a profound impact in the academic community. Famous scholars such as Chen Yinke spoke highly of it, praising it for its "rigorous selection of materials and precise arguments", highlighting Mr. Feng Youlan's rigorous attitude and precise insights in the research and writing process. The basic structure of this book has become an important reference for the study of Chinese philosophy, and it has inestimable value for understanding the evolution, schools and ideological connotations of Chinese philosophy. Both philosophy researchers and ordinary readers interested in Chinese culture can gain profound inspiration and rich knowledge from it. Mr. Feng Youlan's "History of Chinese Philosophy" is not only an academic masterpiece, but also an indispensable part of the treasure house of Chinese culture.


Outline Notes

Abstract of "History of Chinese Philosophy"Volume 1: Ancient PhilosophyChapter 1: The Spirit of Chinese Philosophy - The Definition and Function of Philosophy - Philosophy provides a systematic world view and outlook on life. - Philosophy can help us improve our spiritual realm and transcend the limitations of the real world. - The Characteristics of Chinese Philosophy - Chinese philosophy focuses on introspection, emphasizes subjectivity and inner morality. - The world view and life view of Chinese philosophy emphasize harmony and unity. Chapter 2: Pre-Qin Confucianism - The Philosophical Thoughts of Confucius - Attaches importance to moral concepts such as benevolence, righteousness, and courtesy, and emphasizes the way of a gentleman and social responsibility. - Proposes "the benevolent love others" and advocates benevolent interpersonal relationships. - The Philosophical Thoughts of Mencius - The theory of human nature is good, believing that human nature is good, and moral perfection can be achieved through self-cultivation. - Advocate benevolent politics and oppose violent rule. - The Philosophical Thoughts of Xunzi - The theory of human nature is evil, believing that human nature needs to be restrained and improved through education. - Proposes the combination of etiquette and law to regulate social order. Chapter 3: Taoist Philosophy - The Philosophical Thoughts of Laozi - The way follows nature, advocating the principle of conforming to nature. - Doing nothing and ruling by advocating a management method of less or no intervention. - Zhuangzi&39;s Philosophical Thought - Theory of the Equality of All Things, believing that all things are one, and there is no absolute standard of right and wrong. - Free and unrestrained travel, pursuing spiritual freedom and liberation. Volume 2: Modern and Contemporary PhilosophyChapter 4: Philosophy from Han Dynasty to Tang Dynasty - Confucianism in Han Dynasty - Dong Zhongshu&39;s theory of the correspondence between heaven and man, which theologized Confucianism. - The theory of prophecy and divination was popular, and Confucianism had a certain superstitious color. - Metaphysics and Buddhism in Wei, Jin, Southern and Northern Dynasties - Metaphysics explored abstract issues such as existence and non-existence, origin and end, and was divorced from practical application. - Buddhism was introduced into China and combined with Taoist philosophy to form Zen. Chapter 5: Neo-Confucianism in Song and Ming Dynasties - Zhu Xi&39;s Philosophical Thought - Advocate the distinction between the nature of destiny and the nature of temperament. - Propose "examining the principles of things", emphasizing the understanding of principles through observing things. - Wang Yangming&39;s Philosophical Thought - Unity of knowledge and action, believing that knowledge and action are inseparable. - To the conscience, it is proposed that human conscience is the internal moral standard. Chapter 6: The transformation and development of modern Chinese philosophy - The rise of neo-Confucianism - Liang Shuming&39;s cultural conservatism, emphasizing the value of traditional Chinese culture. - Xiong Shili&39;s new Vijnanavada, integrating Buddhist Vijnanavada with Western philosophy. - The Sinicization of Marxist philosophy - Mao Zedong&39;s theory of practice and historical materialism. - Deng Xiaoping&39;s reform and opening-up policy, emphasizing that practice is the only criterion for testing truth. The above is a summary of the basic framework and content of the book "History of Chinese Philosophy". The detailed content and views of each chapter have not been fully developed, and it is only an overview.


Catchy Sentences

It is indeed a challenge to select wonderful sentences or paragraphs from Feng Youlan's History of Chinese Philosophy and number and output them as required, because the book is rich in content and refined in language. The following is my attempt to capture the sentences that are profound, unique in perspective, beautiful in language, full of wisdom or creativity: 1. "Philosophy is a reflection on the system of life." This sentence accurately defines the essence of philosophy, which is a comprehensive and in-depth thinking about life, the universe and knowledge. 2. "In the historical evolution of Chinese philosophy, there is an important feature, that is, the ancient thoughts are often comprehensive rather than analytical." This sentence reveals the unique methodological characteristics of Chinese philosophy that are different from Western philosophy, emphasizing the grasp of synthesis and the whole. 3. "Confucianism comes from scholars; Mohism comes from warriors; Taoism comes from hermits." Feng Youlan summarized the social origins and ideological characteristics of Confucianism, Mohism and Taoism in concise language. 4. “The so-called fate is something that cannot be controlled by human power, but also cannot be avoided by human power.” This is a profound explanation of the philosophical concept of “fate”, pointing out its attribute that transcends human control. 5. “Confucianism advocates abstinence and less desires to the point of no desires in discussing life. But it never allows people to be less emotional or even heartless.” This sentence explains the balance between rationality and emotion in Confucianism, and emphasizes the important position of emotion in life. 6. “The Tao that Taoists talk about is constantly changing, circulating in the six voids, without purpose, will, or emotional elements.” This describes the fluidity and transcendence of “Tao” in Taoist philosophy, which is in sharp contrast to Confucianism. 7. “The words of the Legalists are a purely utilitarian political philosophy.” This accurately summarizes the characteristics of the Legalists’ political philosophy with utilitarianism as the core. 8. “The School of Names is fond of debate, and because they debate names and facts, they are called the School of Names.” This concisely explains the characteristics and origins of the School of Names. 9. “The method of Chinese philosophy is neither induction nor deduction, but a combination of the two.” Points out the uniqueness of Chinese philosophy in methodology, which neither relies solely on induction nor entirely on deduction. 10. “The highest knowledge sought by philosophy is absolute, universal, and necessary, and cannot be relative, special, or accidental.” This sentence profoundly explains the pursuit and goal of philosophy, which is to explore universal and necessary truth. 11. “The universe and all things are the body of one person; the body of this person is the body of the universe and all things.” Expresses the philosophical thought of the unity of man and nature, emphasizing the harmonious unity of man and nature. 12. “When Chinese philosophers talk about morality, they all refer to behavior, not to personal conduct.” Reveals the behavior-oriented nature of moral concepts in Chinese philosophy. 13. “To know what you know and to know what you don’t know is knowledge.” Quoting Confucius’ words, emphasizing the importance of honesty of knowledge and self-knowledge. 14. “Confucianism discusses politics, and takes rectification of names as the first priority; Mohism discusses politics, and takes universal love as the basis of non-aggression.” Compares the differences in political philosophy between Confucianism and Mohism. 15. “Taoism advocates governing by inaction, which is a statement of the negative aspect of the monarch’s way.” Explains the Taoist political proposition of governing by inaction, and points out its negative aspect. 16. “The so-called fate in Chinese philosophy is what we call contingency today; the so-called luck is what we call necessity today.” Explains the “fate” and “luck” in traditional Chinese philosophy using modern philosophical concepts. 17. “In the history of Chinese philosophy, the period from Confucius to King Huainan was the era of Confucianism, and the period from Dong Zhongshu to Kang Youwei was the era of Confucianism.” Summarizes two important periods in the history of Chinese philosophy and their characteristics. 18. “Confucianism emphasizes ritual, because ritual is the form of society; Taoism emphasizes nature, because nature is the essence of society.” From the perspective of social form and essence, compares the different emphases of Confucianism and Taoism. 19. "The writings of Chinese philosophers are often full of hints, while the writings of Western philosophers are often full of explicit references." This points out the difference in the expression of Chinese and Western philosophy. 20. "The spirit of Chinese philosophy is both worldly and otherworldly; optimistic and pessimistic." This summarizes the complexity and contradiction of Chinese philosophy at the spiritual level.


Author Introduction

Feng Youlan: The inheritor and innovator of the history of Chinese philosophy When discussing the rich connotation and unique charm of the history of Chinese philosophy, we have to mention an outstanding scholar-Feng Youlan.< As a famous philosopher, educator and writer, Feng Youlan presented us with a magnificent picture of Chinese philosophy with his profound knowledge and unique insights.

Today, let us get close to this great thinker and learn about his basic personal information, education and professional background, writing career, style and theme of his works, personal life, social influence, and the evaluation of authoritative media and experts.

Basic personal information: Feng Youlan (December 4, 1895-November 26, 1990), formerly known as Feng Qijun, with the courtesy name Youlan, was born in Shanghai with his ancestral home in Wuxi, Jiangsu.< He is a famous philosopher, educator and writer in modern China, and is known as the "inheritor and innovator of the history of Chinese philosophy.

" Education and professional background: Feng Youlan was smart and studious since childhood.< He received traditional education in his hometown in his early years, and later went to Columbia University in the United States for further studies and obtained a doctorate in philosophy.

After returning to China, he taught at famous universities such as Peking University and Tsinghua University, and served as the president of Peking University.< Feng Youlan's education and professional background laid a solid foundation for his research and dissemination of the history of Chinese philosophy.

Writing career and style and themes of his works: Feng Youlan's writing career spanned several decades, and his works covered many fields such as philosophy, education, and literature.< Among them, "History of Chinese Philosophy" is one of his most representative works, which systematically expounds the development process and characteristics of Chinese philosophy.

Feng Youlan's works are easy to understand and have both rigorous academic nature and wide popularity, so that ordinary readers can also appreciate the charm of philosophy.

Personal life: Feng Youlan was diligent and studious throughout his life and loved education.< His personal life was simple and fulfilling, and he and his wife had two sons and one daughter.

In family life, Feng Youlan focused on cultivating his children's independent spirit and academic literacy, and his children have become outstanding talents in their respective fields.

Social influence: Feng Youlan's academic achievements and educational contributions are of great significance to the inheritance and development of the history of Chinese philosophy.< He not only cultivated generations of philosophical talents, but also made more people understand and recognize the essence of Chinese philosophy through his works.

Authoritative media and experts also have high evaluations of him.< The New York Times once described him as "the disseminator and enlightener of Chinese philosophy.

" Quotations and evaluations: Feng Youlan's academic achievements have been widely recognized by experts and scholars at home and abroad.

The famous philosopher and educator Qian Mu once commented on him: "Mr.< Feng Youlan's "History of Chinese Philosophy" is a landmark work.

It provides us with valuable inspiration for understanding the development of Chinese philosophy.

" In addition, American philosopher and sinologist John King Fairbank also said: "Professor Feng Youlan's academic achievements are a model for the study of Chinese philosophy.

" Latest developments: Although Feng Youlan passed away in 1990, his academic legacy still affects future generations.< In recent years, research and discussion on Feng Youlan are still active, and many scholars are committed to exploring and inheriting his academic thoughts, giving them new vitality in the study of the history of Chinese philosophy.


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