Hu Shih

Hu Shih (胡適, December 17, 1891 – February 24, 1962), also known as Hu Suh, was a Chinese philosopher, essayist, and diplomat. He was a key figure in the New Culture Movement and the May Fourth Movement, advocating for the adoption of vernacular Chinese in literature and a more scientific and democratic approach to Chinese culture and society.

Hu Shih was born in Jixi, Anhui Province, China. He studied at Cornell University and Columbia University in the United States, where he was heavily influenced by the pragmatism of John Dewey. Upon returning to China, he became a professor at Peking University, where he championed literary reform and promoted the use of baihua (vernacular Chinese) as the standard written language, replacing classical Chinese.

His contributions extended beyond literature. Hu Shih advocated for modernization, individualism, and critical thinking. He was a strong proponent of Western science and democracy and believed that these principles were essential for China's progress. He also emphasized the importance of empirical evidence and rational analysis in understanding the world.

During the Second Sino-Japanese War, Hu Shih served as the Republic of China's ambassador to the United States. After the communist victory in 1949, he moved to the United States and later to Taiwan, where he served as the president of Academia Sinica.

Hu Shih's philosophical views were largely influenced by pragmatism and liberalism. He believed that knowledge should be practical and useful and that individuals should have the freedom to think for themselves and express their opinions. He was a critic of traditional Confucianism, particularly its emphasis on hierarchy and conformity, but he also recognized the value of certain aspects of Chinese culture.

Hu Shih's legacy is significant. He played a crucial role in shaping modern Chinese literature and thought. His advocacy for vernacular Chinese helped to democratize education and make literature more accessible to the general public. His promotion of science and democracy contributed to the modernization of China. However, his ideas were also controversial, and he faced criticism from both traditionalists and communists. He remains a complex and influential figure in Chinese history.

His major works include Outline of the History of Chinese Philosophy and numerous essays on literature, philosophy, and politics.