Republic of the Philippines

Laguna State Polytechnic University

San Pablo City Campus San Pablo City

COLLEGE OF TEACHER EDUCATION BACHELOR OF SECONDARY EDUCATION

A Module in the History and Philosophy of Science (Major 1)

The Traditional Trend in the Modern Chinese Philosophy

Submitted by: Camposano, Divine Diola, Paula Camille Gapit, Jenalyn Martinez, Jerico Panergayo, Albert Andry Revilla, Emmanuel

OVERVIEW

TABLE OF CONTENTS TITLE.... OVERVIEW... TABLE OF CONTENTS.. INTRODUCTION OBJECTIVES....... DEFINITION OF TERMS..... MAIN LEARNING MATERIALS IN SECTION SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION.. SELF ASSESMENT EXERCISES.. FURTHER READING AND OTHER RESOURCES.. APPENDICES. REFERENCES.

INTRODUCTION The birth of Chinese philosophy several thousand years ago, originated from the I Ching (the Book of Changes), an ancient compendium of divination said to date to c. 2800 B.C.E., which introduced some of the most fundamental terms of Chinese philosophy. The age of Chinese philosophy can only be estimated but it draws on an oral tradition that goes back to Neolithic times. The central focus of Chinese philosophy throughout the ages has been a practical concern with man and society, how to live an ideal life, and how best to organize society. Ethics and political philosophy have often taken precedence over metaphysics and epistemology. Another characteristic of Chinese philosophy has been reflections on nature and the self, which has resulted in the development of themes like unity between man and Heaven, the place of man in the cosmic order, and the explanations of differentiation and change. (http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Chinese_Philosophy) During the 19th and 20th centuries, Chinese philosophy integrated concepts from Western philosophy. Anti-Qing Dynasty revolutionaries, involved in the Xinhai Revolution, saw Western philosophy as an alternative to traditional philosophical schools; students in the May Fourth Movement called for completely abolishing the old imperial institutions and practices of China. During this era, Chinese scholars attempted to incorporate Western philosophical ideologies such as democracy, Marxism, socialism, liberalism, republicanism, anarchism and nationalism into Chinese philosophy. The most notable examples are Sun Yat-Sen's Three Principles of the People ideology and Mao Zedong's Maoism, a variant of Marxism Leninism. In the modern People's Republic of China, the official ideology is Deng Xiaoping's "market economy socialism". (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_philosophy#Modern_era) The term modern Chinese philosophy is used here to denote various Chinese philosophical trends in the short period between the implementation of the constitutional new policy (1901) and the abolition of the traditional examination system (1905) in the late Qing (Ching) dynasty and the rise and fall of the Republic of China in mainland China (1911-1949). Modern Chinese philosophy is rooted historically in the traditions of Buddhism, Confucianism, especially Neo-Confucianism, and the Xixue (Western Learning, that is, ma thematics, natural sciences and Christianity) that arose during the late Ming Dynasty (ca. 1552-1634) and flourished until the early Republic Period (1911-1923). Modern Chinese philosophers typically responded to critiques of their heritage by both Chinese and Western thinkers either by transforming Chinese tradition (as in the efforts of Zhang Zhidong and Sun Yat-sen), defending it (as in the work of traditional Buddhists and Confucians), or opposing it altogether (as in the legacy of the May Fourth New Cultural Movement, including both its liberal and its communist exponents). Many modern Chinese philosophers advanced some form of political philosophy that simultaneously promoted Chinese national confidence while problematizing Chinas cultural and intelle ctual traditions. In spite of this, a striking feature of most modern Chinese philosophy is its retrieval of traditional Chinese thought as a resource for addressing 20th century concerns. In this module, the development of the modern Chinese philosophy will be discussed. The philosophy and ideologies in each of the sections would be highlighted.

OBJECTIVES This module represents a systematic program of study intended for teachers of Philosophy of Science in Major 1. It maintain consistent link between philosophy and trend by providing explicit facts to illustrate and justify the theoretical ideas. As you go through the lesson, you will be able to analyze what are the trends that occur in Modern Chinese Philosophy. At the end of this module, you are expected to: 1. 2. 3. 4. Recognize who founded the Chinese Academy of Buddhism. Identify the three different stages of development of world cultures in the book of Dongxiwenhua jichizhexue. Differentiate Fungs outlook in basic tenets of his philosophy. Explore the improvements of Buddhism.

This module is self-instructional. You can read, analyze concepts and ideas presented, and reflect on them. The Activities and Self-Check Questions will help you assess how you progress as you go through the module. If you need help and further clarification, you can ask the facilitator or your mentor in your school. Your answers to the Self-Check Questions (SCQs) and Activities may be self-evaluated by your facilitator or your mentor if you so desire. These will be part of your formative evaluation. DO NOT WRITE YOUR ANSWERS IN THE MODULE. YOUR ANSWER SHOULD BE WRITTEN IN A SEPARATE SHEET/NOTEBOOK.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

Avatasaka Stra- describes a cosmos of infinite realms upon realms, mutually containing one another. Coalescing- means to unite so as to form one mass, community, etc. Confucianism- is the system of ethics, education, and statesmanship taught by Confucius and his disciples, stressing love for humanity, ancestor worship, reverence for parents, and harmony in thought and conduct. Cosmology- the branch of philosophy dealing with the origin and general structure of the universe, with its parts, elements, and laws, and especially with such of its characteristics as space, time, causality, and freedom. Ephemeral- lasting a very short time; short-lived; transitory. Epistemology- is a branch of philosophy that investigates the origin, nature, methods, and limits of human knowledge. Impetus- is a moving force; impulse; stimulus. Mahyna Mahparinirva Stra (or Nirva Stra) - mentions some of the well-known episodes in the final months of the life of the Buddha. Neo-Confucianism- of or pertaining to an eclectic philosophical movement of the 12th to the 16th centuries, incorporating Taoist and Buddhist elements with an adaptation of Confucianism Noumena- a thing in itself, as distinguished from a phenomenon or thing as it appears. Psychology- is the sum or characteristics of the mental states and processes of a person or class of persons, or of the mental states and processes involved in a field of activity. Sutra- is a collection of aphorisms relating to some aspect of the conduct of life. Tenets- refer to any opinion, principle, doctrine, dogma, etc., especially one held as true by members of a profession, group, or movement. Theistic- belief in the existence of a god or gods (opposed to atheism) Torrent- is a rushing, violent, or abundant and unceasing stream of anything. Transient- lasting only a short time; existing briefly; temporary.