Short History Of Chinese Philosophy

This is a chronicle of Chinese thought from the third millennium sage-kings to the 1911 overthrow of the oldest monarchical system in the world. The book illuminates the most commonly known schools of Confuciansim and Taoism, and it acquaints readers with Mohism, Yin-Yang, Legalism, Neo-Taosim, Neo-Confucianism, and the introduction of Western philosophy.

An abridgement and adaptation of A History of Chinese Philosophy which meets the present need of a survey of Chinese thought from Confucius to the present, for the English reader. There are changes in the way of introduction, treatment and subject matter, and the bibliography is arranged to correspond to the chapters, a great service to students specializing in a particular period. A rare work, this is enhanced in value because of the collaboration with Dr. Fung of Derk Bodde, who provides a brief resume of the course of Chinese history. Beginning with the Shang dynasty, through the age of Confucius, down through to the fall of the Manchus in 1911, the variations and changes in philosophic thought and religious practice are developed by Dr. Fung. At once an authoritative analysis of the philosophies and an historical record, it goes far to explain the workings of the Chinese mind, the background from which the Chinese derive their present operative modes of thought. It is doubtful whether this long but highly readable and vital history can be superseded as a standard history in our generation. A Must for libraries, colleges and universities, where Chinese philosophy is studied. - Kirkus