Hu Shih

Definition

Hu Shih was a prominent Chinese philosopher, essayist, and diplomat who played a crucial role in the New Culture Movement and was a key figure in advocating for modern Chinese literature and education. His ideas were instrumental in shaping the intellectual landscape of early 20th century China, particularly through his emphasis on vernacular language and scientific reasoning as means to promote social and cultural reform.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Hu Shih was a leading advocate for the use of vernacular Chinese (baihua) instead of classical Chinese (wenyan), which he believed would democratize education and make literature more relatable.
2. He studied at Columbia University under John Dewey, whose pragmatism greatly influenced his thinking about education and social reform in China.
3. As a major figure in the New Culture Movement, Hu Shih's ideas encouraged a break from traditional Confucian values and promoted new ideas about democracy, science, and individualism.
4. Hu Shih also contributed significantly to literary criticism and theory in modern China, emphasizing the importance of realistic fiction that reflected contemporary social issues.
5. He served as China's ambassador to the United States and played an important role in foreign diplomacy during a tumultuous time in China's history.

Review Questions

• How did Hu Shih's advocacy for vernacular language impact the literary scene during the New Culture Movement?
  • Hu Shih's promotion of vernacular language significantly transformed Chinese literature by making it more accessible to the general populace. This shift away from classical Chinese allowed writers to express contemporary issues in relatable terms, leading to a flourishing of realistic fiction. It helped establish a new literary tradition that resonated with everyday experiences, thus engaging more readers and fostering a culture of literary innovation.
• In what ways did Hu Shih's educational philosophies reflect the broader goals of the May Fourth Movement?
  • Hu Shih's educational philosophies mirrored the May Fourth Movement's focus on modernity and reform by advocating for a pragmatic approach to education that prioritized critical thinking and scientific inquiry. He believed education should not only impart knowledge but also encourage students to question traditional norms. This alignment with the movement's ideals helped galvanize support for reforms aimed at transforming Chinese society into a more progressive and democratic entity.
• Evaluate Hu Shih's contributions to modern Chinese thought and how they relate to ongoing discussions about tradition versus modernity in China.
  • Hu Shih's contributions fundamentally reshaped modern Chinese thought by challenging entrenched Confucian values and advocating for a progressive worldview rooted in science and democracy. His emphasis on vernacular literature helped bridge the gap between traditional culture and contemporary societal needs. These contributions continue to resonate in current debates about balancing tradition with modernization in China, as scholars and citizens alike grapple with integrating historical values into an increasingly globalized society while seeking innovation.

Related terms

New Culture Movement: A cultural and intellectual revolution in China during the early 20th century that aimed to promote modernization, science, democracy, and vernacular literature over traditional Confucian values.

Vernacular Literature: Literature written in the everyday language of the people, which Hu Shih championed as a way to make literature accessible and relevant to modern Chinese society.

May Fourth Movement: A national protest movement that began on May 4, 1919, in response to the Treaty of Versailles, which many young intellectuals saw as a betrayal of China's sovereignty; Hu Shih was among the key figures supporting its goals.