world philosophy

Roger T. Ames, a famous American sinologist and professor of philosophy at the University of Hawaii, said in an overseas telephone interview with our reporter a few days ago that in today's increasingly globalized world, Confucius' theory will be valued by more people and play a more important role in promoting the integration of different cultures and maintaining world peace.

Professor Roger T. Ames said that China has become an economic and political power, and with it, China's important position as a cultural power will become more prominent. Confucius' theory is moving towards the whole world, from China's philosophy to the philosophy of the world. It's like when people mention Beethoven, what they think is not German music, but music. At present, the world is in a turning point, and Confucius' philosophy is becoming the philosophy of the world like the theories of Kant, Hume and other famous philosophers. He also said: "With the increasing importance of China in the world, China's philosophy, represented by Confucius' theory, will surely be valued by more people."

Professor Roger T. Ames said that with his deeper understanding of China's philosophy, he felt more and more that a better understanding of China would benefit western traditional philosophy. Therefore, he thinks that China's traditional philosophy is of great value, and as a foreigner, he can introduce it to the west, thus enhancing western culture. At present, he is actively engaged in promoting dialogue between American pragmatism philosophy and Confucianism in China. He believes that American philosophical tradition and Confucianism have similarities and differences, which can provide an ideal platform for cultural exchange and integration between the two countries. Professor Roger T. Ames is convinced that the most important international relationship in the 21st century is the US-China relationship, which is the relationship between the most developed country and the fastest developing country in the world. He said: "The only way to maintain stability in the 21st century is to establish a partnership between the United States and China. I think the dialogue between American pragmatism philosophy and Confucianism provides a basis for promoting mutual understanding."

When talking about Confucius' thoughts of "harmony" and "harmony", Professor Roger T. Ames, who was born in Canada and later became an American citizen, said that since he became familiar with China from the beginning, he felt that the United States and China had a special connection that they did not have in their relations with other countries, that is, both countries were cultures of "harmony but difference", and this was the strength of the two countries. China embodies diversity. It is more like a continent, where all kinds of people live in harmony. The strength of the United States comes from immigrants, and immigrants embody "harmony but difference." Establishing harmonious relationships within families, between people and between different countries is the core of Confucius' theory, and China has much to teach the world about this.

When talking about Confucius' educational thought, Professor Roger T. Ames said that according to Confucianism, all the problems in the world can be attributed to education. When we try to govern the divided world, the fundamental problem is to educate the next generation well. Confucius' philosophy is the philosophy of education, and filial piety is also an important part of Confucius' educational thought. In Chinese, "filial piety" constitutes a part of the word "education", and education is to teach individuals how to be conscientious members of the family. The basic social unit in China is not an individual, but a family. Professor Roger T. Ames pointed out that a serious problem faced by contemporary democracy is that when forming a society, individuals become obstacles in this process. Selfish individuals cannot bring the harmony necessary to build an effective democratic system, and there is no effective democracy without a harmonious family. In this respect, China also has something for the world to learn from.

Professor Roger T. Ames is one of the leading figures in contemporary western sinology and philosophy. His academic contributions mainly include the translation of China's philosophical classics and comparative philosophy between China and the West. China's philosophical classics translated by him include The Analects of Confucius, The Doctrine of the Mean and The Tao Te Ching. His series of works on comparative philosophy between China and the West include Reflections on Confucius' Philosophy, Cultural Origin of Chinese Philosophical Thinking and Looking forward to China: Exploring the Cultural Narration of China and the West. Professor Roger T. Ames's unique understanding and translation method of China's philosophy changed the view of a generation of westerners on China's philosophy, and made the profound meaning of China's classics more and more understood by westerners.