Confucian Democracy: A Deweyan Reconstruction

Acknowledgments

Acknowledgments A teacher once told me that the best way, perhaps the only way, to repay a debt of kindness is to pass it on. I think it applies equally well to debts of intellectual growth. I would like to pass on not only what I have learned, but to contribute to the task of philosophical inquiry to which my teachers have devoted themselves. This book was first written as a doctoral dissertation at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. I am grateful to the anonymous reviewers whose comments were very helpful during the revision of the manuscript. My colleague, Jiuan Heng, read the early chapters, and Keith Wiltshire read the entire text. I appreciate very much their comments and encouragement. It is entirely my own responsibility that the final product is not any better. I am especially grateful to all the members of my dissertation committee —Roger Ames, James Tiles, Mary Tiles, Kenneth Kipnis, and Shi Mingzheng—who gave timely and invaluable feedback on the various drafts. Shi Mingzheng, though only an external member, impressed and moved me by the seriousness and meticulousness with which he read my drafts. His enthusiasm encouraged me to believe that the results of my labor might be interesting and comprehensible even to nonphilosophers. Kenneth Kipnis and Mary Tiles provided valuable viewpoints from outside my chosen specialization; they questioned my theses and arguments vigorously and prevented me from taking too much for granted and speaking only to specialists in Confucianism or pragmatism. Their insistence on my giving Western philosophical views equal respect rather than viewing them through Asian glasses helps make the final result more balanced than it would have been. Joseph Grange, who conducted a graduate seminar on John Dewey during a one-year visit to the University of Hawaii, introduced me to Dewey and pragmatism. This interest was further fostered by James Tiles, whose detailed criticisms of every draft of my dissertation constantly challenged me to improve my understanding of Dewey’s philosophy and helped vii me develop different perspectives on the Confucian texts on which I was working. Roger Ames is not only one of the best teachers I have ever met, but he continues to be my exemplar of what a Confucian scholar should be. His ability to inspire is enhanced by his willingness to tolerate and even respect dissent from his students. He not only taught students philosophical theories but, through his own example, he also instilled in them a sense of responsibility toward the scholarly community and the wider society. The National University of Singapore granted me study leave and sponsored my graduate studies, which enabled me to concentrate on my studies and research without any financial worries. I also wish to thank my fellow graduates and other students at the University of Hawaii, with whom I had interesting and sometimes heated discussions, and faculties, whose seminars I attended. The four and a half years in Hawaii taught me much about community in practice. Last but not least, my family’s support and belief in me made it possible for me to leave more profitable careers to pursue my philosophical interests. No words can fully express what I owe them. viii Acknowledgments ...