In his contribution to the 2024 third issue of “Social Sciences in Guangdong,” Yang Guorong elucidates that the practice of philosophy is intrinsically linked to a comprehension of its essence. To begin with, it is imperative to reflect the synthesis of “history” and “thought,” which entails a harmonious blend of historical philosophical inquiry with the introspection of philosophical theories.
Furthermore, he advocates for the development of a “universal learning” horizon, transcending the traditional East-West dichotomy. This involves appreciating the cumulative wisdom of Chinese tradition and the intellectual contributions of Western thought as collective achievements of human civilization, thereby establishing them as the wellspring of intellectual insight for contemporary deliberation.
Additionally, Yang emphasizes grounding philosophical inquiry in tangible issues of the present day, suggesting a dual focus on the ongoing “trend” of philosophical discourse as well as the foundational “origin” from which these currents flow. The understanding of philosophy’s nature and the methodology of its practice extends to its interplay with science, the interrelation of knowledge and wisdom, and the broader questions of value.
On a more granular level, the exploration of “how” to engage in philosophy is intricately connected to the interplay between the abstract and the concrete, the legacy of extant literature versus the revelations of newly discovered texts, and the dynamic relationship between language and philosophical thought.