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Project

The philosophical relevance of Kang Youwei (1858-1927) as a twofold “in-between” figure: preceding the introduction of the Western paradigm in China and announcing its demise

Critics of the one-century long westernization have become increasingly vocal in China.They often appeal to Kang Youwei 康有為 (1858-1927) as a spokesman of the Confucian worldview and the country’s indigenous voice unpolluted by the large-scale westernization of China in the twentieth century. Being China’s foremost utopian, radical reformer, promoter of religious Confucianism, and proliferous textual scholar, Kang preceded the incorporation of Western knowledge in China, including the large-scale intellectual and educational division in terms of academic disciplines. Nowadays he is heralded as the spokesman of the critics of westernization. This makes him a twofold "in-between" figure: before the massive foreign influence (1895-1919) and at the outset of its proclaimed ending (2012- ). In the field of Chinese philosophy, his predicament has resulted, on the one hand, in his relative oblivion at 20th century philosophy departments and, on the other, in his booming success at non- or multi-disciplinary "national studies" departments. Three case-studies focus on Kang’s philosophical contribution in the current context of political sensitivity, cultural tension, and educational-institutional changes: (1) his crucial influence on the Confucian notion of "correction of names", (2) his impact on the construction of intellectual lineages, (3) and his controversial position in current ideological debates about China's future and position in the world.

Date:1 Jan 2021 →  Today
Keywords:Kang Youwei, religious Confucianism, westernization of China
Disciplines:Social and political philosophy, Philosophy not elsewhere classified, Other philosophy, ethics and religious studies not elsewhere classified