Traditional Chinese Philosophy Research Articles

Philosophical practice and its development in China: opportunities and challenges

This paper examines the application and evolution of philosophical practice in China, which employs philosophical principles and methods to facilitate insights and address life’s complexities. We aim to bridge the knowledge gap regarding the trajectory and contemporary landscape of China’s philosophical practice and its impact on individual and societal flourishing. Guided by the research question, “How has philosophical practice evolved in China, and what are its challenges and future prospects?” this study adopts a qualitative research methodology, including a literature review, historical analysis, and case studies from Chinese philosophical communities. Findings indicate a burgeoning growth of philosophical practice in China, with traditional Chinese philosophies being adapted to provide practical guidance for contemporary issues. The spread of philosophical practice communities across China reflects a growing embrace of these practices. This paper outlines the hurdles and prospects for philosophical practice, pinpointing opportunities for further research and cross-cultural engagement. The insights furnished by this study offer a framework for scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to enhance philosophical practice’s role in personal growth and societal well-being, both within China and internationally.

A Fusion of Chinese Five Elements and Steampunk in Enhancing the Gaming Experience

In the present era, due to the increasing influence of globalization, individuals from around the globe have the opportunity to select and engage with a greater variety of cultures. further, the theory of cultural fusion was proposed and further expanded upon during a period when video games were increasingly delving into the concept of cultural fusion. Nevertheless, the number of games that successfully blend Chinese and Western cultures is limited. Furthermore, the incorporation of traditional culture in game design tends to be simplistic in terms of visuals and gameplay. To address this, we have developed a game called Element Gears: Chronicles of Balance. This 2D survival adventure game combines traditional Chinese five-element philosophy with steampunk aesthetics, creating a new benchmark for thematic and cultural integration. Our game Gears integrates cultural elements and futuristic ideas into both the gameplay and narrative, rather than merely focusing on them. This fusion is not only visually pleasing, but also intricately integrated into the game mechanics, encompassing aspects such as resource allocation, manufacturing, and strategic survival problems within a dynamically evolving setting. The incorporation of cultural topics extends beyond surface-level depictions, offering players a more profound and engrossing educational and entertainment encounter. By comparing our Element Gears to similar games in the genre, this article highlights how its innovative approach to cultural fusion increases player engagement and creates a deeper and more meaningful gaming experience.

The Legacy of Traditional Chinese Taiji Philosophy as a Factor in Harmonizing the Contradictions of Socio-cultural Reality (using the example of Chinese Neorealist Art)

The article is devoted to the analysis of the influence of the ancient Chinese philosophy of Taiji on artistic creativity and the development of the internal evolution of artistic culture. Taoist philosophy of nature and Confucian ethics synthesized the philosophical core of the traditional Chinese worldview with its emphasis on the simplicity and naturalness of the world order, and formed the fundamental principles of Taiji. Fundamental to Taiji, the concept of Yin and Yang emphasizes the dual nature of the existence of movement and variability as a balance of opposing forces of development. The Taiji philosophy of dialectical development is supplemented by the idea of ​​the genesis of renewal energy - Qi. The main research method is the method of revitalizing traditional systems on a new intellectual basis. The method of diachronic analysis of the social situation that influenced the development of Chinese neorealism in art was used. As a result of the study, the functional significance of the influence of the principles and philosophical ideas of taiji on the evolution of neorealism is described. Using the example of the work of Chinese neorealist artists Xin Dongwan and Zheng Yi, the authors come to the conclusion that there are three driving factors of artistic motivation for creativity: internal, external and subjective. The basic principles of Taiji philosophy and ethics, such as: the naturalness of change without the use of force (Wu Wei), change as the only constant in the existence of the world and its stability, gentleness - help develop the creative power of renewal. The idea is shown that in the ancient Chinese philosophical heritage, Confucianism and Taoism became two full-fledged directions, functionally complementing each other in explaining differences in cultural, political, philosophical and social environments.

Perceived Determinants of Health-Related Behaviors Among Patients with Coronary Heart Disease After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Longitudinal Qualitative Study.

Studies had reported some influencing factors of health behavior among patients with coronary heart disease(CHD) after percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI). However, considering that human perceptions are complex, unrestricted and dynamically changing. A longitudinal qualitative study was conducted to explore the determinants of health-related behaviors of patients after PCI and dynamic changes of these determinants at the 1st, 3rd, and 6th months. Using purposive sampling, 18 patients undergoing PCI were interviewed. The conventional content analysis method was used to identify categories and subcategories. Semi-structured, face-to-face or telephone in-depth interviews were conducted at the cardiology unit of a tertiary referral hospital in Yunnan Province, China from March 2022 to January 2023. Seven categories with some subcategories were constructed from the data, categorized into three domains. Firstly, individual factors include (i) Personal coping with healthy lifestyle requirements (tried but failed; I can do it), (ii) individual perception and feeling toward disease (knowing about the disease; belief of cure; fearsofrelapse), and (iii) personal benefits (improved health; meaning of life). Secondly, social factors include (i) social facilitators (family resources; healthcare support), (ii) social barriers (inconvenient medical care service; conflicting information). Finally, cultural factors include (i) way of living (dietary habits; key roles of yan (cigarette) and jiu (alcohol) in Chinese society), (ii) way of thinking (fatalism and Confucian familism). The determinants of health-related behaviors of patients after PCI are multifaceted and dynamic. Different interventions should be formulated to promote patients' adherence to health behaviors. Moreover, priority should be given to the impact of traditional Chinese philosophy on the health behaviors of patients after PCI, and the health promotion program for these patients should be culturally sensitive. In addition, future research should further explore the determinants of health behaviors among diverse ethnic minorities after PCI, which has not been fully inquired in this study.

Revolutionary Confucianism? Neo-Confucian Idealism and Modern Chinese Revolutionary Thought

This article explores the relationship between materialism and philosophical idealism in the political philosophy of Marxist revolutionary movements, by illuminating the influence of Neo-Confucian idealism on the sinification of Marxism. Although they had virtually no access to the writings of the young Marx, Li Dazhao and Mao Zedong incorporated idealist philosophical ideas into their sinified Marxism. I argue that three elements of Neo-Confucian idealism contributed to the sinification of Marxism that emerged by the 1940s: (1) acknowledgment of the real existence of the material world as apprehended by the mind-and-heart in Zhu Xi’s Neo-Confucianism; (2) emphasis on human will and consciousness, drawn from Wang Yangming’s Neo-Confucianism; and (3) recognition of an autonomous, even decisive role of consciousness and culture in revolutionary change. The resulting sinified Marxism constituted a revolutionary New Confucianism, highlighting the most universal, humanistic, liberative elements in the Chinese philosophical tradition. These community-affirming and spiritually rich elements can be mobilized against authoritarian forces to support the continuing struggle for human rights and democratization within and well beyond China today.

Exploring Transformation in Flux-Like Pattern – A Review of The Chinese Biantong in Yijing

One of the central features of the _Yijing_ is its use of 陰陽 _yin-yang_ correlative cosmology, a fundamental concept in traditional Chinese philosophy. This cosmology involves the idea that all things in the universe are interconnected and interdependent, each possessing _yin_ (negative, feminine) and _yang_ (positive, masculine) energies. Moreover, these energies are constantly in flux and transformation, with their balance continually shifting. Bohm's wholeness, also known as Bohm's holomovement, is a concept developed by physicist David Bohm as part of his interpretation of quantum mechanics. According to Bohm, the universe is fundamentally interconnected and interdependent, with all aspects of the universe influencing and being influenced by one another. This interconnectedness is reflected in the behaviour of subatomic particles, which can exhibit non-local correlations that classical physics cannot explain. Bohm's wholeness is similar to other physics and philosophy theories that emphasise the universe's interconnectedness. For example, one such theory is non-dualism, which posits that there is no fundamental separation between the self and the universe and that the self is an expression of the underlying unity of all things. Finally, the concept of entanglement in quantum mechanics also suggests a fundamental interconnectedness between particles, with changes in the state of one particle instantaneously affecting the state of another particle, regardless of their spatial separation. The significance of 變通 _biantong_ in Chinese philosophy is explored in relation to _yin_ and _yang_ energies constantly transforming and balancing each other in a continuous cycle. Similarly, Bohm's holomovement concept highlights the universe's interconnectedness and constant flux. The flux-like variables provide insights into the system's macroscopic and microscopic details, where transformation and change are fundamental aspects of reality. The probabilistic nature of human affairs and subatomic particles implies that their properties continually change and transform in response to the surrounding environment, reflecting the integral interdependence of all things. This paper emphasizes the significance of transformation and changes in comprehending reality by examining the concepts of yin and yang energies, Bohm's wholeness, and flux-like variables. The dynamic and interconnected nature of the universe necessitates an understanding of this constant state of flux, whether on a macroscopic or microscopic scale. This knowledge is vital for understanding the behaviour of subatomic particles and the natural world.

Introduction: Towards a Communicative Encounter ‒ Traditional Chinese Philosophy in Contemporary Discourses

In this special issue, we present contemporary studies of traditional Chinese philosophy, born out of the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. The scholars who contributed to this volume sought to engage in a profound dialogue, a necessity during a time when the pandemic prevented in-person cross-border meetings. Though COVID-19 is now behind us, the impact it left on our world continues to resonate. This collection should be seen as a response to the concern that “the loss of memory and the possibility of intercultural dialogues ...will deal humanism a final, fatal blow” (Rošker 2023, 8). It encompasses a diverse array of systematic studies predominantly authored by scholars from mainland China.

An Introduction to Zoeontology

Zoeontology, or the study of living, is a philosophical system the author is constructing in the spirit of traditional Chinese philosophy. We see living as the central philosophical inquiry in the Chinese tradition, rather than being as in Western philosophy. Being is supposed to be eternal and death is a negation of being, but living consists of birth, growing, aging, and death. Hence in zoeontology, we see time as the rhythm of living, and space as the orientation in a living community. As a time-space system, a living subject interacts with the world from the perspective of the ego. Zoeontology is also a kind of subjective philosophy. Different living subjects interact with each other if their living rhythms parallel or overlap with each other. A child’s living process is internal to the parents’ living process, and hence there must be intimate and profound interactions between them. This is the beginning of a civil community. There is a dialectical relationship between civilization and nature. The purpose of human civilization is to civilize a natural living community, but it must obey the rules of nature. Human civilization is not meant to change nature, but to fulfil it.

A cross-cultural archery analogy in Matteo Ricci's Tianzhu shiyi

AbstractIn the sixth chapter of his Tianzhu shiyi (天主實義, “The True Meaning of the Lord of Heaven”), Matteo Ricci offers a critique of the anti-intentionalistic thread that he detects in the Chinese philosophical tradition. In this brief essay, I offer an analysis of a noteworthy archery analogy that Ricci employs to describe the nature of ethical action as an intentional process with a conscious aim. I trace how Ricci skilfully combines Western and Chinese images and categories to craft this simile. Before that, I set the stage by offering some preliminary comments that contextualize Ricci's interest in the question of intentional vs. non-intentional conduct.

Chinese Philosophical Practice toward Self-Cultivation: Integrating Confucian Wisdom into Philosophical Counseling

Traditional Chinese philosophy has always paid much attention to the cultivation of one’s body and mind, speeches and behaviors. The contemporary rise of philosophical practice, especially in the context of philosophical counseling, presents an opportunity to integrate the rich legacy of Confucian self-cultivation. This paper endeavors to delineate the practical applications of Confucian principles in philosophical counseling, with special emphasis on the actionable concepts of “gongfu” and “jingjie” and their synthesis in the “unity of knowledge and action”. Through a series of illustrative examples and proposed session outlines, we offer a vivid portrayal of how Confucian thought can be operationalized within a counseling framework to address the existential and ethical dilemmas faced by individuals in ancient and modern times. We argue that the nuanced understanding and practical implementation of these Confucian concepts can significantly enhance the efficacy of philosophical counseling. Additionally, we outline the requisite qualifications for becoming a Confucian philosophical counselor, suggesting a certification process that ensures counselors are both philosophically adept and exemplars of moral cultivation. Thus, this paper not only expounds on the theoretical underpinnings of Confucian thought in philosophical practice but also provides a clear blueprint for its application in contemporary settings.

Analizando la Vacuidad y Sustancia Literaria: Una Perspectiva Informada por la Filosofía Neoconfuciana de Tang Junyi

Abstract: The objective of this study is to thoroughly analyze and interpret Tang Junyi’s ideas about emptiness and substance in literature and art in a systematic manner. To achieve a comprehensive understanding of Tang Junyi’s viewpoints, we initially employed the “close reading method” to carefully examine all of his works. Additionally, we utilized the “conceptual analysis method” to focus on identifying and explaining key concepts in his literary ideas. At the same time, we compared Tang Junyi’s ideas with other scholars’ research findings, using the “literature comparison method”. After conducting a thorough examination, the author concludes that Tang Junyi’s perspective on emptiness and substance in literature and art is not an independent intellectual construct, but rather a unique viewpoint formed within the backdrop of traditional Chinese culture and philosophy. This concept is central to his literary theory and serves as a prominent element within his philosophical framework. By exploring the realm of “emptiness and substance” within Tang Junyi’s literary ideas, we can gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for his impact on literature and philosophy. This exploration also presents fresh perspectives and conceptual structures for the examination of Chinese literary theory and culture.

Ancient Chinese Philosophy and the formation of Modern Chinese Piano Art

The article examines the influence of ancient Chinese philosophical concepts on the formation of modern piano art in China. Ancient Chinese materialistic philosophy is based on such teachings as Wu-xing and Yin-Yang, the Great Limit (Tai Chi), the eight trigrams and others. With the passage of time and the rapid development of science, these philosophical concepts not only did not lose their significance, but also had a powerful influence on the formation of modern Chinese piano creativity, deeply influenced the form and cultural connotation of Chinese music, and also became the theoretical basis for the works of many modern composers. The philosophical and aesthetic Taiji system presented by composer Zhao Xiaosheng, integrated into the modern piano composition system, marked the beginning of a revolution in the field of piano art, combining the theoretical foundations of traditional Chinese philosophy and the principles of modern composition methods. The research methodology is based on philosophical and cultural analysis, musicological analysis, and semantic analysis. Of particular interest is the comparative analysis of the musical and philosophical "Tai chi composition system" by Zhao Xiaoshen, the dodecaphony of A. Schoenberg and the set theory of M. Babbitt and A. Fort, which the Chinese composer considers the sources of his creativity. The novelty of the research lies in the fact that a correlation is proposed between the key categories of ancient Chinese philosophy and modern experiments in the field of musical expression. The authors managed to demonstrate the high degree of influence of Chinese philosophy on music, to clearly show that the basic postulates of ancient Chinese philosophy have been encoded in the basis of traditional Chinese music since ancient times, and in the twentieth century they were the basis of modern Chinese theory of composition, while playing a colossal role in identifying the common foundations of modern composition of the West and East, while preservation of local features of the diverse sphere of these cultures. The emergence and formation of a philosophical and theoretical system of musical composition, based on the concepts of classical Chinese philosophy, organically refracted in the latest achievements of Western music composition, emphasizes the ontological significance of these concepts for both Eastern and Western culture. And the creation of appropriate musical works undoubtedly leads to positive trends in the development of modern Chinese music and classical Chinese philosophy.

Актуальные вопросы китайских глобальных исследований

Every science has certain conditions for its emergence and development. China’s policy of “reform and opening up” (1978) was introduced during the wave of increased interest in globalization. In the 1990s, China’s integration into the world economic system led to a growing interest in global studies based on globalization and global issues. In the early 21st century, especially after China’s accession to the World Trade Organization, China’s global studies have also expanded and deepened. Due to China’s active policy of openness, global governance has become a central theme in global studies, and traditional Chinese philosophy was incorporated into the theoretical system of globalism. After Xi Jinping’s “Belt and Road” initiative and the “Community of Common Destiny for Mankind” idea in 2013, the global turn in various sciences has greatly enriched the content of China’s global studies. Passing through three phases of development: introduction, borrowing, and innovation, Chinese global studies has moved from “global problem studies”, “globalization studies”, and “global governance studies” to comprehensive theoretical globalistics. This article describes the phases, features, schools, and recent results of contemporary Chinese global studies, reflecting the theoretical thinking and academic innovation of Chinese scholars in this field.

Comparison of Traditional Chinese Thought and Xi Jinping's Understanding of Governance through the Hundred Schools of Thought

Xi Jinping, often referred to as the contemporary Mao, has introduced numerous development plans on a national and global scale since taking office as President in 2012. Having learned lessons from the disastrous Cultural Revolution which aimed to implant socialist ideas in China and resulted in the deaths of millions, Xi Jinping declared a new era in governance by emphasizing the importance of "Chinese Characteristics". Now, a Chinese government that has overcome the 'century of humiliation’ and is capable of confronting Western powers through a concerted effort, has successfully integrated Marxist-Leninist ideology with Chinese characteristics. Xi Jinping's philosophy, which combines modern requirements with the principles of traditional Chinese governance, has become part of the CCP ideology. Xi's comprehension of governance stems from traditional Chinese philosophy. The Warring Principalities era and the emergence of the Hundred Schools of Thought are the foundations of Xi's understanding of governance. This article investigates the heritage and evolution of Xi Jinping's governing ideology from ancient Chinese traditional beliefs, using the example of the "Hundred Schools of Thought". The article aims to explore the value implications of traditional Chinese governance thought in contemporary political life. Additionally, it seeks to promote the essence of ancient Chinese traditional culture, investigate its relevance in modern times, reveal patterns of cultural development, and offer guidance on how to carry forward and inherit the traditional Chinese cultural perspective.

АНТРОПОЛОГИЧЕСКИЕ ИДЕИ В ФИЛОСОФСКОЙ ТРАДИЦИИ ДРЕВНЕГО КИТАЯ

The article analyzes the problem of human nature in the philosophical tradition of Ancient China, starting from the mythological worldview to the prominent representatives of Confucianism - Mencius and Xunzi. It is noted that in ancient Chinese philosophical traditions, man is part of the cosmos, as well as in many ancient Greek teachings. The author makes a comparative analysis of anthropological ideas in ancient Chinese philosophy and in the philosophy of Plato, Aristotle, and European philosophers of the 17th – 18th centuries. Considering human nature in the worldview of Mencius and Xunzi, he shows the distinctive features in their worldview. It is noted that Mencius, when revealing the character of human nature, tended to start with goodness, while Xunzi believed that man is evil by nature. In conclusion, it is concluded that in ancient Chinese philosophy, ultimately, human nature and his destiny depend on Heaven

Alister E. McGrath and China: Toward a Chinese theology and science on transhumanism for the third millennium

AbstractIn the past three decades, Alister E. McGrath's popularity has been constantly on the rise in China. More than 20 of his books have been translated into Chinese. To the Chinese intellectual mind, the most fascinating among McGrath's works are his writings on theology and science. This is not surprising due to China's ambitions to achieve scientific and technological dominance by boosting creativity. However, such a daunting task faces insurmountable difficulties due to a prevailing lack of innovation, which might contribute to the rising interest in McGrath's work on science and theology. Due to the dominant political ideology in China, theology is by and large put aside, if not marginalized. This essay suggests that the wide‐scale reception of McGrath's works by Chinese academia and churches not only opens a door for the public square to change their attitude toward Christian theology, but also challenges Chinese theology to contextualize McGrath's scientific theology on Chinese soil and to engage Chinese worldview with its pragmatic epistemology. This paper seeks to adapt McGrath's scientific theology on the topic of transhumanism, which has received increasing scholarly attention from the perspective of traditional Chinese philosophies and religions, such as Confucianism and Daoism. Unfortunately, Chinese theology has largely failed to grasp the opportunity to offer any significant constructive proposal to this interdisciplinary discussion. This paper argues that a Chinese theology of science built on a sympathetic and critical engagement with McGrath's scientific theology has a rich potential to dialogue with modern sciences and traditional Chinese philosophies and religions on transhumanism. Such constructive theology not only serves as a conversation partner, but also provides a theological critique to the prevalent scientism and humanism in China.

Gender Aspirations in Chinese Marriage Market: A Study of Differences in Gender and the History of the Standards of Marriage

Throughout the history of China, the conception of marriage in Chinese traditional philosophy, such as Confucianism, has remained longstanding and influential even in modern Chinese society. The standards and the social and familial obligations for both sexes that result from such matrimonial beliefs, however, have developed in conflict with modern lifestyles and mindsets, especially for females. This article, through an in depth analysis of the expectations of marriage of both genders, their views on marriage and their expectations of the other spouse, and a variety of current events and movements, aims to further understand the status quo and future outlook in the Chinese marriage market from social, cultural, and economic perspectives. In the current Chinese marriage market, there remain two stereotypical sets of standards for a perfect spouse for both males and females, which are both reinforced through prevalent dating attitudes and disapproved of by modern feminism, the new lifestyle pursuits of the younger generation, and the deprioritization of marriage by females.

동서철학의 지평에서 본 유교 인성론

This Article intend to articulate The Theory of Confucian theory of Human- nature in the Horizon of East-West Philosophy. Confucianism regarded Human- nature(mind-heart's nature) with importance more than any other schools at all the time. The most critical question in Confucian philosophy was what are truly a human Virtues and a good life? We begins with on definition of reverence(敬) and Te(德) in Confucian tradition. Confucius was the first philosopher to bring up the concept of Human- nature(mind-heart's nature) in the history of chinese traditional philosophy. Mencius was a protector to block heterodoxy after succeeding Confucius's the The Theory of Confucian theory of Human-nature(doctrine of mind-heart's nature). Mencius was the first founder to demonstrate reality of Human-nature(mind- heart's nature) systematically and scientifically. Human-nature provided by Mencius are a) what distinguishes human beings from other animals. b)comprised of benevolence, righteousness, propriety and wisdom. Chu-Hui introduced The four beginnings are the issuance of LI, and protected Human-nature(mind-heart's nature) differed with other beings after succeeding Confucius-Mencius's the doctrine of mind-heart's nature. According to Chu-Hui, The four beginnings was to present a moral motivation of human beings in their relation to metaphysical composition(Li-Ki). Such viewpoints about theory of Human-nature(mind-heart's nature) plays an important role in the Age of AI.

(Concept of) Rectification of Names and Putin’s War-time Euphemisms

In the given paper, the notion of rectification of language in the Chinese philosophical tradition is discussed, which will be linked to the concept of political discourse in general, and specifically to the use of euphemisms in the language of politics. In addition, we will attempt to apply practical examples from the current Russian political discourse to the discussed concepts.Key words: rectification, euphemism, Confucius, Putin, discourse, war

Confucianism in the Films of Edward Yang

As one of the most prestigious directors in the Chinese-speaking world, Edward Yang uses film as a way to construct and convey his own thinking. Like all Chinese literati since the New Culture Movement, Yang repeatedly wanders between modernity and traditional Chinese philosophy, calmly analyzing the existential dilemmas of the urban middle class as a masterful deconstructionist and authoritative critic. Confucianism, as the most deeply rooted traditional thought in Chinese society, has profoundly shaped interpersonal communication and social values in Chinese society. The principles of benevolence, morality, sacrificing life for righteousness, reverence for propriety, and patriarchal thinking have long been the rules of Chinese society and are still the supreme beliefs of some Chinese people. In Edward Yang, one can find both his idealized intellectual Confucianism and his self-deprecation and criticism of Confucianism. This research will analyze three of Yang's representative films, A Brighter Summer Day, A Confucian Confusion, and A One and A Two, and explore Yang's Confucian identity as a film author in the context of his other works, and analyze his thoughts and confusion in the intertwined and contradictory nature of modernity and Confucianism. In these three films, Edward Yang's inner contradiction in his thinking of Confucianism in Chinese society is insightful and inspiring.