Chinese Philosophy as a Kind of Field Philosophy

ABSTRACT

Chinese philosophy is practical in orientation. This practical orientation is consistent with field philosophy, which aims to break the disciplinary mode of knowledge production and establish interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary modes, so as to overcome ‘disciplinary capture’ and enhance the social relevance of philosophy. For example, Chinese philosophy values action more than commentary and discussion more than writing. Chinese philosophy has these characteristics because it is based on the Si Xue (private learning or private school) institution of ancient times. While Chinese philosophy and field philosophy have a number of characteristics in common, this does not mean that Chinese philosophy and field philosophy are identical. They possess a family resemblance, with each of them having their own independence and inherent regularities. Chinese philosophy belongs to ancient philosophy, coming from premodern times, and field philosophy is a postmodern philosophy. Even so, they still can learn from each other.

KEYWORDS:

• Chinese philosophy
• field philosophy
• unity of knowledge and action
• social institution

Acknowledgments

Thanks to Robert Frodeman and Adam Briggle so much for their great efforts in revising and editing this article.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the National Social Science Foundation of China under Grant 16CZX020.

Notes on contributors

Zhang Wei

Zhang Wei is  Associate Professor of Philosophy of Science and Technology in the School of Marxism at Central China Normal University. He is the director of The National Social Science Fund of China: “Research on the theoretical reconstruction of the ethics of technology based on an internalist approach”.