Socrates in Sichuan: Chinese Students Search for Truth, Justice, and the (Chinese) Way

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy, Eastern, History, Asian, China, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, International, International Relations
Cover of the book Socrates in Sichuan: Chinese Students Search for Truth, Justice, and the (Chinese) Way by Peter J. Vernezze, Potomac Books Inc.
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Peter J. Vernezze ISBN: 9781597977487
Publisher: Potomac Books Inc. Publication: April 30, 2011
Imprint: Language: English
Author: Peter J. Vernezze
ISBN: 9781597977487
Publisher: Potomac Books Inc.
Publication: April 30, 2011
Imprint:
Language: English
When Peter J. Vernezze took a leave of absence from his position as a philosophy professor to serve as a Peace Corps volunteer in China, he supplemented his main task—teaching English—with leading a weekly philosophical discussion group with Chinese undergraduate and graduate students at Sichuan Normal University in Chengdu. In each session the students debated topics as diverse as the status of truth, the meaning of life, the reality of fate, the definition of sanity, the necessity of religion, and the value of romantic love. Each of the twenty-five chapters focuses on the topic of one evening's discussion, which was always in the form of a question: How are ancient conceptions of virtue holding up in a society overrun by capitalism? Are traditionally conservative sexual values going the way of the rickshaw? Can an atheistic country even have a sense of morality?

This unprecedented portrait of the Chinese mind allows the up-and-coming generation—known as the ba ling hou, or “post-1980s generation”—to express its unique perspective on China—and America. In addition, the book provides the reader with a crash course in Chinese culture, both ancient and modern, as students discuss everything from Confucius to the Edison Chen scandal (a Chinese pop star whose sexually explicit pictures found their way onto the Internet), from classical Chinese poetry to the Super Boy and Super Girl competitions (Chinese versions of American Idol).Throughout, the author provides the intellectual and historical context necessary to appreciate and understand today's China.
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
When Peter J. Vernezze took a leave of absence from his position as a philosophy professor to serve as a Peace Corps volunteer in China, he supplemented his main task—teaching English—with leading a weekly philosophical discussion group with Chinese undergraduate and graduate students at Sichuan Normal University in Chengdu. In each session the students debated topics as diverse as the status of truth, the meaning of life, the reality of fate, the definition of sanity, the necessity of religion, and the value of romantic love. Each of the twenty-five chapters focuses on the topic of one evening's discussion, which was always in the form of a question: How are ancient conceptions of virtue holding up in a society overrun by capitalism? Are traditionally conservative sexual values going the way of the rickshaw? Can an atheistic country even have a sense of morality?

This unprecedented portrait of the Chinese mind allows the up-and-coming generation—known as the ba ling hou, or “post-1980s generation”—to express its unique perspective on China—and America. In addition, the book provides the reader with a crash course in Chinese culture, both ancient and modern, as students discuss everything from Confucius to the Edison Chen scandal (a Chinese pop star whose sexually explicit pictures found their way onto the Internet), from classical Chinese poetry to the Super Boy and Super Girl competitions (Chinese versions of American Idol).Throughout, the author provides the intellectual and historical context necessary to appreciate and understand today's China.

More books from Potomac Books Inc.

Cover of the book Crisis and Crossfire by Peter J. Vernezze
Cover of the book Montgomery by Peter J. Vernezze
Cover of the book Saint Woody: The History and Fanaticism of Ohio State Football by Peter J. Vernezze
Cover of the book Misguided Weapons by Peter J. Vernezze
Cover of the book War of Words by Peter J. Vernezze
Cover of the book Military Strategy by Peter J. Vernezze
Cover of the book Man Versus Ball by Peter J. Vernezze
Cover of the book Italy's Most Wanted™ by Peter J. Vernezze
Cover of the book Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo by Peter J. Vernezze
Cover of the book Diplomacy Lessons by Peter J. Vernezze
Cover of the book Red Rogue by Peter J. Vernezze
Cover of the book Al Qaeda's Great Escape by Peter J. Vernezze
Cover of the book Pick Up Your Own Brass by Peter J. Vernezze
Cover of the book Meade by Peter J. Vernezze
Cover of the book Michael Collins and the Anglo-Irish War: Britain's Counterinsurgency Failure by Peter J. Vernezze
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy