New Progress in the Study of the History of Chinese Philosophy

Abstract

In recent years, study of the history of Chinese philosophy has been in full swing in China. The Society of the History of Chinese Philosophy has been set up and has in publication two journals entitled Studies of the History of Chinese Philosophy and Chinese Philosophy dedicated to publishing research results in this area. A number of books specializing in the subject have come off press, and dozens of seminars have been held to discuss special issues. Thus, a variety of different views in regard to Chinese philosophers ranging from Confucius to Sun Yat-sen have come forth. All this signals the new progress made in the study of the history of Chinese philosophy. However, I do not propose to discuss here the concrete issues; rather, I would like to talk about the prevailing trends in the study as these probably can give a better picture of the new progress made in this area and points to new prospects which will open up in the studies. In light of this, I would like to address myself to four mutually related issues.

Confucianism, Buddhism, Daoism, Christianity, and Chinese Culture, 1991: 39–48