Modern Notions of Civilization and Culture in China (Key Concepts in Chinese Thought and Culture)

This Key Concepts pivot examines the fundamental Chinese ideas of ‘Civilization’ and ‘culture’, considering their extensive influence both over Chinese society and East Asian societies. The pivot analyses the traditional connotations of those two concepts and their evolution in the Sino-Western exchanges as well as their renewed interpretation and application by contemporary Chinese scholars. It analyses how the years 1840-1900 which mark a period of major transition in China challenged these concepts, and highlights how the pursuit of innovation and international perspective gave birth to new values ​​and paradigm shifts, and culminated in the May Fourth New Culture Movement. Considering the underlying humanistic ideas in the key concepts of traditional Chinese civilisation and culture, this pivot contributes to this series of Chinese Key Concept by offering a unique analysis of the conceptual evolutions brought about by the change of values in 21 st century China. This Key Concepts pivot examines the fundamental Chinese ideas of â#x80;Civilizationâ#x80;#x99; and â#x80;cultureâ#x80;#x99;, considering their extensive influence both over Chinese society and East Asian societies. The pivot analyses the traditional connotations of those two concepts and their evolution in the Sino-Western exchanges as well as their renewed interpretation and application by contemporary Chinese scholars. It analyses how the years 1840-1900 which mark a period of major transition in China challenged these concepts, and highlights how the pursuit of innovation and international perspective gave birth to new values and paradigm shifts, and culminated in the May Fourth New Culture Movement. Considering the underlying humanistic ideas in the key concepts of traditional Chinese civilisation and culture, this pivot contributes to this series of Chinese Key Concept by offering a unique analysis of the conceptual evolutions brought about by the change of values in 21st century China "This Key Concepts pivot examines the fundamental Chinese ideas of 'Civilization' and 'Culture', considering their extensive influence both over Chinese society and East Asian societies. The pivot analyses the traditional connotations of those two concepts and their evolution in the Sino-Western exchanges as well as their renewed interpretation and application by contemporary Chinese scholars. It analyses how the years 1840-1900 which mark a period of major transition in China challenged these concepts, and highlights how the pursuit of innovation and international perspective gave birth to new values and paradigm shifts, and culminated in the May Fourth New Culture Movement. Considering the underlying humanistic ideas in the key concepts of traditional Chinese civilisation and culture, this pivot contributes to this series of Chinese Key Concept by offering a unique analysis of the conceptual evolutions brought about by the change of values in 21st century China"--Back cover Praise for Modern Notions of Civilization and Culture in China 9 Contents 10 Chapter 1 The Chinese People’s “Great Geographical Discovery” 12 Abstract 12 Chapter 2 Wen Is the Manifestation of the Great Way 20 Abstract 20 Chapter 3 The Bankruptcy of Chinese Order in East Asia 35 Abstract 35 Chapter 4 After Japan’s Departure from Asia, Where Did the Once Prosperous China Go? 47 Abstract 47 Chapter 5 The Paradigm Shift of “Civilization” in the Age of Transformation 56 Abstract 56 Chapter 6 The Early Spread of “Civilization” as a Modern Notion in China 69 Abstract 69 Chapter 7 “Civilization” and “Culture” in Bilingual Dictionaries 84 Abstract 84 Chapter 8 Getting Prepared for a Meeting with Western Civilization 93 Abstract 93 Chapter 9 Distinguishing Between “Civilization” and “Culture” in the New Culture Movement 106 Abstract 106 Bibliography 119 Index 126 Front Matter ....Pages i-xii The Chinese People’s “Great Geographical Discovery” (Weigui Fang)....Pages 1-8 Wen Is the Manifestation of the Great Way (Weigui Fang)....Pages 9-23 The Bankruptcy of Chinese Order in East Asia (Weigui Fang)....Pages 25-36 After Japan’s Departure from Asia, Where Did the Once Prosperous China Go? (Weigui Fang)....Pages 37-45 The Paradigm Shift of “Civilization” in the Age of Transformation (Weigui Fang)....Pages 47-59 The Early Spread of “Civilization” as a Modern Notion in China (Weigui Fang)....Pages 61-75 “Civilization” and “Culture” in Bilingual Dictionaries (Weigui Fang)....Pages 77-85 Getting Prepared for a Meeting with Western Civilization (Weigui Fang)....Pages 87-99 Distinguishing Between “Civilization” and “Culture” in the New Culture Movement (Weigui Fang)....Pages 101-113 Back Matter ....Pages 115-125