Adapting: A Chinese Philosophy of Action

The philosophy of action in Classical China is radically different from its counterpart in the Western philosophical narrative. Classical Chinese philosophers theorize that human life is embedded in endless networks of relationships with other entities, phenomena, and socio-material contexts. This book is the first monograph dedicated to the exploration and rigorous reconstruction of an extraordinary strategy for efficacious relational action devised by Classical Chinese philosophers, which attempts to account for the interdependent and embedded character of human agency. Adapting requires heightened self- and other-awareness, equanimity, flexibility, creativity, and response, and is one of the world's oldest philosophies of action.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 26 October 2021
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

Western philosophy often assumes that individuals are independent subjects capable of acting solely based on their intentions and desires. However, Chinese philosophers challenge this notion by proposing a radically different perspective on action. In Classical Chinese philosophy, the concept of action is deeply intertwined with the idea of relationships. Philosophers in this tradition believe that human life is embedded in an infinite network of connections with other entities, phenomena, and socio-material contexts. These relationships are fundamental to the constitution of the person, shaping their actions and interactions with the world.

In contrast to the Western notion of discrete individuals acting independently, Classical Chinese philosophers argue that acting within an early Chinese context involves interacting and co-acting with others, whether they are human or nonhuman. This perspective emphasizes the interdependence and interconnectedness of all things, highlighting the importance of understanding and responding to the needs and desires of others.

One of the key strategies for efficacious relational action devised by Classical Chinese philosophers is adapting or adaptive agency (yin). Unlike more unilateral approaches to action, adapting requires heightened self- and other-awareness, equanimity, flexibility, creativity, and response. It involves the ability to "co-raise" courses of action ad hoc, unique and temporary solutions to specific, non-permanent, and non-generalizable life problems.

Adapting is one of the world's oldest philosophies of action, yet it remains surprisingly new for contemporary audiences. It offers an unlikely source of inspiration to cope with the challenges and complexities of modern life. By embracing the interconnectedness of all things and developing the capacities for self- and other-awareness, equanimity, flexibility, creativity, and response, individuals can navigate the complexities of social interactions and find innovative solutions to the problems they face.

In conclusion, Classical Chinese philosophy provides a profound and alternative perspective on action, emphasizing the importance of relationships and the interconnectedness of all things. By adopting the strategies of adapting or adaptive agency, individuals can cultivate greater self-awareness, equanimity, flexibility, creativity, and response, enabling them to navigate the complexities of modern life and find meaningful ways to engage with the world.

Weight: 436g
Dimension: 242 x 162 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197572962