The Absorption And Transformation Of Mencius Philosophy By GaoQinghai’s Philosophy Of Species

Professor Gao Qinghai is one of the most influential philosophers and theorists recognized in China’s philosophical circles since the 1980 s,and is the most powerful promoter of the reform of Marxist philosophy and the change of philosophical concepts.The philosophy of species is the summary of Professor Gao’s philosophical exploration in his later years.The fusion of Chinese,Western and Maxist philosophical traditions is the characteristic of the thought system of the philosophy of species,which reflects its progressiveness and development,and also covers Mr.Gao’s lifelong efforts for the reform of the Marxist system,the reform of philosophical concepts and the development of Chinese philosophical theories.“the thinking mode of practice view”contained in the philosophy of species,the interpretation of “Human Being’s Double Life",and the pursuit of the value of "the personality of species" as the goal of development are all highly contemporary and advanced.By re-examining the philosophy of Mencius and its interpretation with a developmental and open view,we can find the blend and integration of the philosophy of species with the philosophy of Mencius in terms of the practical view,concept of life and concept of values.The first chapter introduces the background of the paper,the current state of research on the philosophy of species,and an overview of the development and interpretation of Mencius’ philosophy in the history of philosophy.The second chapter analyzes the practical view of the philosophy of species and its absorption of the shift in the interpretation of Mencius’ philosophy,from "goodness" to "turning towards good",which reflects the different ways of thinking in different times.Professor Gao,in his reform of Soviet-style textbooks,changes philosophical thinking,criticizes the ontological way of thinking,and uncovers the significance of Mencius’ philosophy for the times.Chapter 3 explores the inner meaning of the “human being’s double life"in the philosophy of species and its integration with Mencius’ view of human nature.The distinction between "nature life" and "nature life" is Gao’s interpretation of Mencius’ concepts of"nature" and "life," and "body" and "heart."It is also a new interpretation of Mencius’ theory of the goodness of nature.Man realizes his own transcendent qualities in his creative practice,thus integrating the inorganic world into himself.What Mencius called the "few things" that distinguish man from animals is,in Gao’s view,the difference between the "nature life" and the "nature life,"that is,man’s creative practice.The fourth chapter illustrates the value demands of class philosophy and the transformation of its value correspondence in Mencius’ philosophy.Professor Gao divides the development of human society into three stages: group subject,individual subject,and species subject.Only when human beings truly awaken to class consciousness can they reach an integrated ideal class personality and move toward the stage of perfect personality.This expands Mencius’ idea of "the unity of heaven and man" to the harmonious unity of man and man,man and nature,man and society and nature,that is,to transcend instinctive life to realize individual value,transcend individual life to realize social value,and transcend species boundaries to realize cosmic value.