Chinese and Western philosophy in dialogue

Abstract

We are pleased to provide two explorations on the topic of dialogue in Chinese philosophy. In this paper, we consider the educational and theoretical dialogues in China resulting from the encounter between Chinese and Western philosophy down to the present. We consider how this conversation began and how it has evolved into what has become a robust discipline of scholarship and teaching known as Comparative Philosophy in both China and the West. In the next paper, we will focus specifically on dialogues in the historical stream of Chinese philosophy as these occurred within education in China itself, including the nature of some of the most influential discussions and institutions in which these occurred.

Curriculum development in the higher education literature: A synthesis focusing on construction management programmes

“…Furthermore, the historical philosophical foundations of education may influence differences in the education provision or approaches to education among geographical regions, especially when comparing Eastern and Western education. Littlejohn and Li (2021) point to the divergence of Eastern and Western cultures from the 16th century as a magnifier of philosophical differences and contentions. Similarly, Komatsu and Rappleye (2020) review modern Japanese educational philosophies and their outcomes against a traditional Western model, commenting on intrinsic differences.…”

The concept of dialogue in Chinese philosophy

“…Thinkers such as Yan Fu (1854-1921), Liang Qichao, Zhang Dongsun (1886-1973), Hu Shi (1891-1962, Liang Shuming (1892-1988), and Mou Zongsan (1909-1995 have each made contributions to this new dialogue across cultures and traditions. An introduction to these various approaches is in 'Chinese and Western Philosophy in Dialogue' (Littlejohn & Li, 2019). Watson, B.…”

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“…Also, the development of dialogue between Chinese and Western philosophy is facilitated by professional associations of scholars, including the Asian Studies Association, founded in 1948, the American Philosophical Association, founded in 1900, and the Society of Asian and Comparative Philosophy, founded in 1968, to which includes scholars working in the field of comparative Chinese and Western studies. The Association of Chinese Philosophers of America, founded in 1995, the European Association of Chinese Philosophy, founded in 2014, and the International Society for Comparative Studies of Chinese and Western Philosophy, founded in 2002, work in the same field (Littlejohn, 2021). These societies and organizations are active in comparative philosophy, hold scientific conferences that bring together practitioners and critics of comparative philosophy, and discuss the nature of the subject and methods of research.…”

“…Such a dialogue does not lead to a new theory that can solve all the mysteries and difficulties in philosophy. The result will be a different type of philosopher (Littlejohn, 2021).…”

“…Comparing Western and Chinese studies, it should be noted that modern Chinese scholars offer works that interpret the perception, appropriation, and critique of Western thought in China, largely through the prism of how important terms of Western philosophy, science, and politics have been translated into Chinese. There was also a historical review of the implementation of Western philosophy in China, showing the interest of Chinese intellectuals not only in Western science and technology, but also in their culture and scientific ideas (Littlejohn, 2021).…”