Wang Guowei Tragedy Thought

The Opium War occurred in 1840 is the cornerstone that signifies the beginning of early modern period of Chinese history. A significant development of Chinese Philosophy also emerged at the same time; it is the transition of traditional Chinese Philosophy to a modern form. In comparison with the western world in both political and cultural aspects, China is not in an advanced position, so the standard of western philosophy inevitably became the gauge of the development of Chinese philosophy, and thorough theoretical re-consideration of Chinese traditional philosophy and the enthusiasm to absorb western philosophy became the major characteristics of Chinese philosophy at that period. Wang Guowei should occupy an important position during the transitional period of Chinese philosophy. Wang Guowei had a peculiar theory method and unique tendency, he did not satisfy with merely study the western philosophy, on top of this,he began to re-consider traditional Chinese philosophy, and a quite new and modern interpretation was given to "Li""Qi"and "Ming",which literally means the Reason, Air and Destiny. In addition, through systematical study of Schopenhauer philosophical thoughts, Wang Guowei developed systematical aesthetics thoughts, and made significant contribution to development of Chinese aesthetics thoughts. At the end, under the influence of the philosophy of Schopenhauer, Wang Guowei formed a pessimism view of life, such an inherent psychological traits combined with the changing society environment led to the tragedy of the choice of committing suicide to end his life.This paper aims to make a research on the following issue:Wang Guowei's re-interpretation of important concepts of traditional Chinese philosophy; the influence of Kant and Schopenhauer's philosophy on his aesthetic thoughts; and the underlying reason and inner meaning of Wang Guowei's death. This paper tends to grasp an preliminary understanding of Wang Guowei's philosophical thoughts and the meaning of his death.