Nature and Human Beings

This book offers a comprehension discussion of the genealogies of two modern Chinese concepts, “nature” (ziran 自然) and “human beings” (ren 人), across a wide selection of modern Chinese intellectuals beginning from the Republican period to the modern day. From the introduction of Western science in the late Qing, through creative translations and philosophical interpretations, to the politically-focused investigations of the meaning of being human and attempts to conserve Chinese culture, this book explores the various ways Chinese intellectuals dealt with Western learning to transform their own tradition to meet the challenges of their day. For scholars interested in modern Chinese philosophy, this book offers penetrating insights into the core ideas of some of the most important modern thinkers; for those interested in ancient Chinese philosophy, this book offers valuable insights regarding how the ancient tradition was appropriated for modern purposes.