Chinese philosophy has had a significant influence on modern Western thought, from the Enlightenment to Postmodernism. Although the study of Chinese philosophy in the West began in the early modern period, it was not until the 20th century that it gained widespread recognition and appreciation.
Enlightenment Period
The Enlightenment period, spanning from the late 17th to the early 19th centuries, was a time of great intellectual and philosophical development in Europe. During this time, Western thinkers were exposed to the teachings of Chinese philosophy for the first time, and these ideas had a profound impact on the development of Western thought.
One of the most influential Chinese philosophers of the Enlightenment period was Confucius, whose teachings on morality, ethics, and social order resonated strongly with Western thinkers. The following are some examples of how Confucian thought influenced Western philosophers during this time:
Voltaire, the French philosopher and writer, was one of the first Western thinkers to express an interest in Confucianism. He saw in Confucianism a set of moral principles that could help to promote social harmony and good governance. Voltaire believed that Confucianism could help to create a more stable and just society, and he advocated for the adoption of Confucian values in European culture.
Montesquieu Montesquieu, another French philosopher, was deeply influenced by Confucian thought in his writing on political theory. In his book “The Spirit of the Laws”, Montesquieu draws on Confucian principles of social harmony and order to develop his theories on good governance. He believed that Confucianism offered valuable insights into the nature of power and the role of government in promoting social justice and stability.
Rousseau, the Swiss philosopher and writer, was also influenced by Confucianism, particularly its emphasis on the importance of naturalness and living in harmony with the natural world. Rousseau believed that human beings were fundamentally good, and that it was only through the corrupting influence of society that they became wicked. He saw in Confucianism a way to return to a more natural state of being and to live in greater harmony with nature.
In addition to Confucianism, Enlightenment thinkers were also exposed to other forms of Chinese philosophy, such as Taoism and Zen Buddhism. These schools of thought emphasized the importance of mindfulness, meditation, and spiritual cultivation, which resonated with Western thinkers who were beginning to explore similar ideas in their own traditions.
19th and 20th Centuries
During the 19th and 20th centuries, as Western scholars began to explore the teachings of Confucianism, Taoism, and other schools of Chinese thought, they found valuable insights and perspectives that challenged and expanded their own ideas about the world.
Here are some of the ways that Chinese philosophy influenced modern Western thought:
Arthur Schopenhauer, a German philosopher, was heavily influenced by Buddhist philosophy, which he discovered through the writings of French scholar Jean-Marie de Gérando. Schopenhauer saw in Buddhism a profound understanding of the human condition, particularly its emphasis on the transitory nature of all things and the need to overcome desire. He believed that Buddhism offered a way out of the suffering that he saw as inherent in human existence, and he incorporated these ideas into his own philosophy of pessimism.
Friedrich Nietzsche, another German philosopher, was deeply interested in Taoist thought, particularly the concept of the “eternal recurrence,” which emphasizes the cyclical nature of life and the need to embrace one’s fate. Nietzsche saw in Taoism a rejection of Western dualism and an affirmation of life in all its contradictions and complexities. He drew on these ideas to develop his own philosophy of the will to power, which emphasizes the importance of individual creativity and self-expression.
William James, an American philosopher and psychologist, was fascinated by the teachings of Chuang Tzu, an ancient Chinese philosopher. James saw in Chuang Tzu’s writings a radical critique of Western moral and intellectual traditions, particularly its emphasis on reason and logic. Instead, Chuang Tzu emphasized the importance of spontaneity, playfulness, and humor. James drew on these ideas to develop his own theories of psychology and consciousness, which emphasize the importance of subjective experience and the limitations of rational thought.
Bertrand Russell, a British philosopher and mathematician, was one of the first Western scholars to study Confucianism in depth. He saw in Confucianism a powerful critique of Western individualism and a call for social harmony and moral cultivation. Russell drew on these ideas to develop his own theories of ethics and political philosophy, which emphasize the importance of community and social responsibility.
Postmodernism
Postmodernism, as a philosophical movement, emerged in the late 20th century and challenged the dominant paradigms of modernity, such as universalism, rationalism, and objectivity. It sought to question and destabilize established notions of truth, meaning, and identity, and encouraged a more critical and reflexive approach to knowledge production. In this context, the influence of Chinese philosophy on postmodernism is particularly significant, as it provided alternative ways of thinking about reality, language, and subjectivity.
Gilles Deleuze, the French philosopher, Deleuze was deeply interested in Taoist concepts such as the “Dao” (the way) and “De” (virtue), which he used to develop his ideas on ethics, power relations, and the nature of reality. For Deleuze, the Dao represented a dynamic and immanent force that animates all things and resists fixed categories and structures. This idea resonates with postmodernism’s rejection of fixed identities and its emphasis on fluidity and hybridity. Moreover, Deleuze’s concept of “rhizome,” which he developed in collaboration with Félix Guattari, drew inspiration from the non-hierarchical structure of Chinese gardens and the idea of organic growth and interconnection.
Richard Rorty, who was known for his critiques of foundationalism and his advocacy of a more pragmatic and contingency-based approach to truth and language. He drew on Confucianism and Taoism to develop his theory of language as a tool for social interaction and mutual understanding, rather than as a mirror of reality. Rorty saw Confucianism as a tradition that emphasized social harmony and ethical cultivation, and believed that its emphasis on relationality and the mutual construction of meanings could inform a more democratic and inclusive approach to language and politics.
Franco Berardi, the Italian philosopher, also known as Bifo, drew on Taoist concepts to critique the capitalist system and advocate for a more sustainable and harmonious way of life. In his book “The Soul at Work,” Bifo argued that contemporary capitalism’s emphasis on productivity and efficiency was driving people to exhaustion and alienation, and that a more Taoist-inspired approach based on slow living, mindfulness, and care could help us reclaim our humanity and our connection to the natural world.
The influence of Chinese philosophy on modern Western thought is undeniable. From the Enlightenment to Postmodernism, Western philosophers have drawn on the ideas and concepts of Confucianism, Taoism, and other schools of Chinese philosophy to develop new theories and ways of thinking about the world. As we continue to grapple with the challenges of our times, we can look to the wisdom of these ancient traditions to guide us towards a more harmonious and sustainable future.
