Fusion of Critical Horizons in Chinese and Western Language, Poetics, Aesthetics

This book explores the common ground between Chinese and Western literature and aesthetics, arguing that despite linguistic and cultural differences, the two traditions share critical theory, aesthetic thought, metaphysical conception, and reasoning. It demonstrates how the two traditions have cultivated similar aesthetic feelings and critical ideas capable of fusing critical and aesthetic horizons through a two-way dialogue.

Format: Hardback
Length: 369 pages
Publication date: 08 July 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This book delves into a profound exploration of dichotomies in comparative studies of Chinese and Western literature and aesthetics. Challenging the prevailing oppositional paradigm, Ming Dong Gu posits that despite linguistic and cultural disparities, there exists a significant common ground in critical theory, aesthetic thought, metaphysical conception, and reasoning. Through a comprehensive analysis, Gu showcases how the two traditions have cultivated similar aesthetic sentiments and critical ideas, enabling them to merge critical and aesthetic horizons. Spanning a wide range of critical discourses, this book fosters a two-way dialogue, unearthing fascinating connections among a diverse array of thinkers, theorists, scholars, and aestheticians. By bridging the aesthetic divide, it makes a substantial contribution to envisioning world theory and global aesthetics.

Introduction:
In the realm of comparative studies, the examination of Chinese and Western literature and aesthetics has long been a subject of fascination. The two traditions, with their distinct linguistic and cultural backgrounds, have often been seen as polar opposites, with little overlap or common ground. However, this book aims to challenge this notion by exploring the shared foundations and commonalities that underpin these two artistic and intellectual traditions.

Dichotomies in Comparative Studies:
The book begins with a reflection on the dichotomies that have often been imposed upon these two traditions. Scholars have often divided them into distinct categories, such as language, writing, and linguistics, metaphor, metonymy, and poetics, mimesis and representation, and lyricism, expressionism, creativity, and aesthetics. These divisions create a false sense of separation and overlook the rich interconnections and shared principles that underpin these traditions.

Common Ground in Critical Theory:
Ming Dong Gu argues that despite these dichotomies, there exists a significant common ground in critical theory, aesthetic thought, metaphysical conception, and reasoning. He challenges the notion that these two traditions are fundamentally different and suggests that they share a rich heritage of philosophical and theoretical ideas. Gu highlights how critical theory, for example, has been influenced by both Chinese and Western thinkers, such as Confucius, Plato, and Kant, and how it has developed unique approaches to understanding the world.

Aesthetic Thought:
Gu further explores the commonalities in aesthetic thought between the two traditions. He argues that despite the differences in modes of expression and conception, the two traditions have cultivated similar aesthetic feelings and critical ideas. He demonstrates how metaphor, metonymy, and poetics are fundamental to both Chinese and Western literature and aesthetics, and how they are used to convey complex ideas and emotions.

Mimesis and Representation:
In addition to aesthetic thought, Gu examines the issue of mimesis and representation in Chinese and Western literature and aesthetics. He explores how these traditions differ in their approach to representing the world, and how they use different techniques to convey meaning and evoke aesthetic experiences. Gu highlights the significance of mimesis in shaping cultural identity and the role of representation in shaping societal norms and values.

Lyricism, Expressionism, Creativity, and Aesthetics:
The book also delves into the realm of lyricism, expressionism, creativity, and aesthetics. Gu argues that these aspects of artistic expression are not exclusive to any particular tradition but are universal human experiences. He explores how lyricism, expressionism, and creativity are used in both Chinese and Western literature and aesthetics to convey profound emotions and ideas.

Two-Way Dialogue:
Throughout the book, Ming Dong Gu fosters a two-way dialogue between Chinese and Western thinkers, theorists, scholars, and aestheticians. He encourages readers to engage with the ideas presented and to consider the ways in which they can be applied to bridge the aesthetic divide and promote a greater understanding of world theory and global aesthetics.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book offers a fresh perspective on the comparative study of Chinese and Western literature and aesthetics. By challenging the dichotomies that have been imposed upon these two traditions, it reveals the shared foundations and commonalities that underpin them. Through a comprehensive analysis of critical theory, aesthetic thought, mimesis and representation, lyricism, expressionism, creativity, and aesthetics, it demonstrates how the two traditions have cultivated similar aesthetic feelings and critical ideas capable of merging critical and aesthetic horizons. By fostering a two-way dialogue, the book makes a significant contribution to bridging the aesthetic divide and envisioning world theory and global aesthetics.

Weight: 626g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030737290
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021