The Name and Nature of “Chinese-Language Philosophy

In recent years, a distinctive trend known as “Chinese-language philosophy” ( Hanyu zhexue 漢語哲學) has emerged, signifying a paradigm shift in Chinese philosophical studies. This movement seeks to re-establish the legitimacy of Chinese philosophy in a novel manner. While it has gained substantial traction within Chinese academia, it has found little resonance among international scholars of Chinese philosophy. This prompts a critical examination: What does “Chinese-language philosophy” encompass? What were the circumstances of its emergence and the reasons for its prominence within Chinese academia? Is Chinese philosophy inherently a language-specific philosophy? These questions form the core of our exploration, intending to clarify the name and nature of “Chinese-language philosophy.” We caution against an overemphasis on the role of language in philosophy, as it may lead to a language-centric ontology that overlooks the fundamental underpinnings shared by all philosophical traditions across cultures and inherent in all human languages—namely, the lived experiences and social practices of human beings

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