Critique, Subversion, and Chinese Philosophy

Bringing together a number of case studies, this book shows how from early on Chinese philosophical discourses unfolded through innovation and the subversion of dominant forms of thinking. Narrowing in on the commonplace Chinese motto that “the three teachings” of Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism “are joined into one”, as if there had never been any substantial differences between or within these schools of thought, a team of esteemed contributors challenge established views. They explain how the Daoist tradition provided a variety of alternatives to prevailing Confucian master narratives, reveal why the long history of Confucianism is itself full of ambiguities, disputes, and competing ideas and discuss how in Buddhist theory and practice, the subversion of unquestioned beliefs and attitudes has been a prime methodological and therapeutic device. By drawing attention to unorthodox voices and subversion as a method, this exciting collection reveals that for too long the traditional division into “three teachings” has failed to do justice to the diversity and subtlety found in the numerous discourses constituting the history of Chinese philosophy. Critique, Subversion and Chinese Philosophy finally makes such innovative disruptions visible.

Impressive in both its focus and scope, this volume emphasizes the importance and the variety of critical and subversive tendencies in the Chinese tradition, revealing that such tendencies are operative when not always evident and often in surprising and unique ways. It is a wonderful collection., This is a provocative reading of Chinese philosophy against the grain. The authors find subversion and critical thinking in the most unexpected places. China has a philosophical tradition of critique, and there are many reasons to unveil this tradition today., A truly challenging book. Moeller and Whitehead have put together a diverse group of scholars engaging with two topics surely essential to philosophy. The contributors paint a clear picture of the understanding and functions of critique and subversion in Chinese philosophy. This book is to be highly recommended for that.

Hans-Georg Moeller is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Macau, China. Andrew K. Whitehead is Associate Professor of Philosophy at Kennesaw State University, USA.