Human Understanding and the Realistic Spirit: The Philosophy of Chen Jiaying

The thought of Chen Jiaying offers a possibility of philosophy in China that is not confined to the mere expression of ancient Chinese tradition nor the simple transplanting of Western philosophy. He places philosophy in an unequivocal connection to the human point of view, takes the investigation of concepts and argumentation as indispensable for its practice, and regards life not as a matter of choice but as living out that to which we are already committed. All these aspects culminate in a realistic revolt against the tendency toward generalizing the truth in one domain as the only truth available.