New Confucianism (xin ruxue)

New Confucianism (xin ruxue) is a living tradition within Confucianism. Also written 新儒學, Contemporary New Confucianism, Modern New Confucianism.

Origin

Founders named in the sources: Xiong Shili, teacher of the second generation, Zhang Junmai (Carsun Chang), Tang Junyi, Mou Zongsan and Xu Fuguan, joint signatories of the 1958 Manifesto. Founding date given as 1958. 1958 is the date of the movement's defining public document, not of its origin, which is earlier and less precisely datable. The 'Manifesto on the Reappraisal of Chinese Culture' (also translated 'A Manifesto for a Re-appraisal of Sinology and Reconstruction of Chinese Culture') was published simultaneously in Minzhu pinglun and Zaisheng and signed by Zhang Junmai, Tang Junyi, Mou Zongsan and Xu Fuguan, all students of Xiong Shili. It argued for the enduring relevance of Chinese philosophy, called for the assimilation of modern science and democratic institutions, and urged the West to draw on Confucian ethical and metaphysical resources.