Feng Youlan

Feng Youlan (4 December 1895 – 26 November 1990) was a Chinese philosopher, historian, and writer instrumental in reintroducing the study of Chinese philosophy in the modern era. His English publication name was Fung Yu-lan. Born in Tanghe County, Henan, he studied philosophy at Peking University and later at Columbia University, where he earned his PhD in 1923. Feng taught at various Chinese universities, including Tsinghua University, where he published his seminal work, 'A History of Chinese Philosophy' (1934). This work, influenced by Western philosophical trends, presented Chinese philosophical history with a positivist tinge but became a standard text, revitalizing interest in Chinese thought. Feng also published 'New Rational Philosophy' (1939), a synthesis of Western metaphysics and neo-Confucianism. During the Sino-Japanese War, he supported the New Life Movement. After initially supporting communism, he faced criticism and was forced to revise his work during the Cultural Revolution. Despite hardships, he remained in China and died in Beijing.