Traditional Chinese Philosophy Research Articles

Comparative Effects of Durian and Banana Consumption on Thermic Effect of Food and Metabolic Responses in Healthy Adults

Objective In traditional Chinese philosophy, durian is classified as a “yang” food with heaty properties, believed to raise body temperature and blood pressure (BP) after consumption. In contrast, bananas are considered as “yin,” possessing cooling effect. However, scientific evidence supporting these concepts is limited. This study aims to compare the metabolic effects in response to durian and banana ingestion. Methods This randomized cross-over clinical study recruited 16 young, healthy Chinese participants (8 males and 8 females). All participants ingested isocaloric portion (367.5 kcal) of durian and banana with a wash-out period of at least 5 days. 3-h thermic effect of food (TEF) and substrate oxidation were assessed by indirect calorimetry. Postprandial vital signs and metabolic responses were measured over a period of 3 h. Results Durian induced a higher and longer-lasting TEF than banana in most participants. Additionally, durian significantly lowered BP and increased triglyceride (TG) levels during 3 h after consumption, whereas bananas had no significant effects on these measures. Despite containing much fewer carbohydrates, durian prompted a comparable postprandial rise in blood glucose concentrations to that of banana. Conclusion While durian offers nutritional benefits and a BP-lowering effect, moderation is recommended due to its high sugar and fat content, which can elevate blood glucose and lipid levels, and its “heatiness” may cause digestive discomforts and a sore throat according to anecdotal experiences.

Disability as a Resource

Chinese modern writer Shi Tiesheng’s renowned piece of life writing “The Temple of Earth and I” embodies a conceptualization of disability that underscores the positive potential of disability as resource that may bring power, freedom, and diversity to people with disabilities as well as the entire society. The representation of disability in Shi’s writing forms an alternative disability discourse that can be highly valuable in shaping social and cultural mindsets on disability. Shi’s disability discourse takes a deep root in Chinese philosophical tradition that understands the world as a dynamic process of transformation between oppositional states. In accordance with this recognition, disability has the potential to be transformed from loss to power, from limitation to freedom, and from an often rejected and excluded element to an indispensable part of diversity in the world.

Research on Li Dazhao's Philosophical Thought and Its Contemporary Value

The process of China's modernization is consistent with the process of Marxism's Chineseization, and nowadays, both the practical path of socialism with Chinese characteristics and the Chineseization of Marxism are facing a lot of new challenges and tasks, so it is crucial to study in depth and re-examine the excellent theories on the development of the Chineseization of Marxist philosophy. Li Dazhao's philosophical thought was formed in the process of dramatic transformation of modern Chinese society, and was one of the early Marxist theoretical achievements. An in-depth study of Li Dazhao's philosophical thought is of great significance for us to deepen our understanding of the transition from traditional Chinese philosophy to modern philosophy, to promote the in-depth development of the theory of the Chineseization of Marxist philosophy, and to help young people to establish a scientific outlook on life and hold fast to the people-centered value goal.

The Philosophy of Chinese Moral Cultivation: Justification and Educational Implications

Abstract This article discusses the theme of moral cultivation in ancient China and proposes to consider the relevant philosophical discussions a subfield of traditional Chinese philosophy. We argue that Chinese classics throughout history were freighted with frameworks and concepts concerning moral cultivation, contributing to a philosophical system about people’s daily moral development. The metaphysical justification, the interpenetration of what is beyond form and what is within form, ideas about the heart-mind and human nature further substantiate the claim from academic and cultural perspectives. This philosophy echoes Pierre Hadot’s idea of “philosophy as a way of life”, or an art of living, a pragmatic discipline that is both a meta-philosophy and a methodological approach in addressing pedagogical and psychological concerns (Hadot & Davidson, 1995). The justifications warrant the needs of perceiving traditional moral cultivation philosophically and discussing its educational implications for today.

Ethics of Motherhood in Chinese Traditions

Abstract In this essay, I aim to highlight the neglected fundamental notion of Motherhood as an ethical principle within Chinese philosophy, particularly in Taoism. Traditionally, it has been relegated to the realm of the Yin-Principle or the Feminine, serving as a complementary as well as opposite pole to the Yang- or Masculine-Principle. However, this interpretation would lead to the narrowing of the primordial essence and potentially misinterpret the fundamental ethos of Taoism. This exploration has implications that reach beyond its very theme. Through the discussions within contemporary Confucianism surrounding concepts like Tian-Xia (天下, All under Heaven), Qinqin (亲亲, Family), or role ethics, it becomes evident that a patriarchal emphasis often prevails, overshadowing the maternal character of Chinese Philosophy and Culture. In contrast to monotheistic traditions where an almighty God creates ex-nihilo (out of nothing), Chinese mythology, as seen in the stories of Pangu and Nüwa, depicts an archaic development of the cosmos, distinct from the creation myths found in Western religions. Notably, the goddess Nüwa is credited with the creation of human beings. In the following, I will explore the ethical dimensions of motherhood within Chinese philosophical traditions, notably within the intertwined contexts of Confucianism, Sinicized Buddhism, and particularly Taoism. Through this examination, my objective is to scrutinize the ethical and cultural underpinnings of Confucianism by juxtaposing the interplay between Confucian tenets like Ren (仁, benevolence, humanity) and self-cultivation with maternal ethical principles. This will underscore the differences between maternal and paternal roles within familial relationships and unveil the implicit authoritarianism inherent in Confucian paternalism.

From individual resilience to collective response: reframing ecological emotions as catalysts for holistic environmental engagement.

The ongoing international study on the mental health implications of climate change has prompted a deeper exploration of ecological emotions such as eco-anxiety, eco-worry and eco-grief, which are associated with environmental degradation and the escalating climate crisis. Although psychological and mental health literature has mainly presented preliminary conceptual analyses, the understanding of ecological emotions remains unclear. This narrative review aims to clarify the definition, highlight precipitating factors, and outline the effects of ecological emotions on mental health, emphasizing the need for thorough research to shift the nonclinical intervention approach from merely promoting individual resilience to encouraging collective engagement. Our analysis of the literature reveals that the existing theoretical framework, which predominantly focuses on bolstering individual resilience, provides only temporary relief for acute symptoms without addressing the foundational social and environmental factors that trigger these ecological emotions. We conclude that it is crucial to overcome the limitations of Western anthropocentrism's human-to-human interaction approach and embrace the unity of humans and nature to effectively manage the increasing ecological emotions. This perspective draws insights from the holistic and collective wisdom of indigenous cultures and traditional Chinese philosophy, offering a potential pathway toward maintaining a sustainable emotional balance amid the worsening global ecological turmoil.

<b>Ancient Chinese Philosophy in Korea: Implied Influences of Confucianism in Contemporary Korea and the Korean Idealistic Alteration</b>

This paper methodically described the implied influences that the traditional Chinese philosophy of Confucianism enacts in contemporary Korea. In ancient times, Korea has a strong link to China and has imported China’s traditions and thoughts that contributed in the enrichments of Korean culture, while Confucianism is an ideal representative among them. After 2000s, Confucianism preserved in the sociocultural aspect of Korea as part of its tradition. However, the younger generation’s thoughts and habits are highly affected by the Korean Wave and the advancements of eras, therefore, certain idealistic alteration in contemporary Korea have produced. By clarifying the implicit influences of Confucianism in current Korean society and its unique alteration, this paper can contribute in the research field of Korean culture while also provide a fair view regarding the cultural exports of Confucianism from ancient China.

Sublating Anxiety: Heidegger’s Notion of Angst and Xu Fuguan’s Thesis of Youhuan yishi

This essay performs a detailed contrastive analysis of two differing concepts of anxiety: Heidegger's Angst and Xu Fuguan’s youhuan yishi, employing the method of transcultural philosophical sublation. This dialectical approach, deeply rooted in the traditional Chinese philosophy of mutual complementarity between opposing ideas, thoughtfully integrates Heidegger's notion of Sorge (care) with the Confucian principle of ren (humaneness) as complementary rather than contradictory elements. This conceptual framework highlights the critical importance of balancing personal authenticity with social responsibility, offering a unified and nuanced perspective on both individual and collective ethics, and proposes innovative strategies to effectively address the complexities of modern life.

Происхождение современной китайской экологической эстетики из процессуального понимания природы А.Н. Уайтхеда, марксистской диалектики и концептуальных позиций традиционной китайской философии

Environmental aesthetics, or aesthetics of environment represents one of the most recent in constitution and one of the most dynamic subdisciplines of contemporary aesthetic discourse. Chinese ecological aesthetics has become a complex and original set of ideas, which is of great importance for other cultures, including Russian, due to the scale of environmental problems that China has recently faced in connection with economic growth, as well as the applicability of ways to solve them in Russian conditions. For these reasons, the author of this article offers a historical and theoretical analysis of the content of the concepts of modern Chinese ecological aesthetics, developed on the basis of A.N. Whitehead's theory of procedural understanding of nature, Marxist dialectics and traditional Chinese philosophy.

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.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE RELATIONSHIP PSYCHOLOGY BETWEEN TEACHERS AND STUDENTS IN THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA

The following article is devoted to the exploration of the relationship between teachers and students of China, whereas the typical traits of communication between Chinese teachers and students are not sufficiently explored to date. The aim of the research consists in consideration of the “teacher – student” relationships originality in comprehensive schools of the PRC. The tasks of the study are to analyze the influence of the Chinese philosophy in formation of the educational relations in China, to consider the place of a teacher and a student in the Chinese educational process, and to describe the level of communication between teachers and students of the PRC. The meta-analysis of the historical, philosophical, and psychological-pedagogical scientific works was served as the main method of the research. Results of the study. The analysis of the fundamental Chinese philosophical traditions and the official documents of PRC about the roles of the teacher and the students showed the social importance of the teacher`s role as a mentor, a leader, and an elder brother of the student, due to which we can observe the high level of respect among the students, what can also be followed by some degree of the fearfulness to teacher. The consideration of psychological-pedagogical scientific works of the foreign specialists had approved the following statements because the physical distance between a teacher and his students, and the structure of a classroom can create the certain differences between the subjects of education activity. Meanwhile modern Chinese educators endeavour to reduce the level of students` tension, building the academic and educational activities, which are based on the individual characteristics of students, and showing them the high level of attention and empathy.

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.

A Brief Analysis of the Role of Architectural Aesthetics in Chinese Architectural Education from the Perspective of Mental Health

With the progress of the times, Chinese education must enable students to understand that architecture is not only a tool for life, but also an artistic creation. Architectural aesthetics also involves historical, cultural, and social factors, as well as psychological health. To cultivate architects with good artistic cultivation, it is necessary to increase education in art, aesthetics, psychology, and humanities such as traditional architectural theory, Chinese traditional philosophy, Chinese and Western architectural aesthetics, aesthetic principles, Chinese and foreign art history, mental health, architectural geomantic omen, literature, calligraphy and painting appreciation, sculpture, photography, etc. In recent years, some art colleges in China, such as the Central Academy of Fine Arts and the Academy of Fine Arts of Shanghai University, have successively introduced the subject of architecture, which is a great experiment and makes up for the shortcomings of traditional engineering and architecture colleges that focus on technology and light art. In terms of architecture education, it is necessary to cultivate students' creative thinking and enhance their artistic cultivation, and closely unite architectural aesthetics with mental health. In this regard, we are continuously discussing teaching methods, summing up teaching experience, and introducing new ideas to keep pace with the times.

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'sTianzhu shiyi

AbstractIn the sixth chapter of hisTianzhu 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.