The Revival of Aesthetics at the Turn of the Century

Abstract: In China, the discipline of aesthetics underwent a revival at the turn of the century. The present essay offers a detailed account of the process during which aesthetics went from decline to revival over the past decades. First, there is the introduction of Western aesthetics, the translation of classical works in the field, the enhancement of international academic exchanges, all of which helped to establish the autonomy of Chinese aesthetics. Second, there came to be an awareness of different schools of thought in aesthetics, as well as the tentative of forming new schools, which had both positive and negative results. Third, different categories and aspects of aesthetic research started to unfold. This essay is the final chapter of the four-volume History of Twentieth Century Chinese Aesthetics. When one writes about history, it is only possible to use the past tense. As for what happens here and now, its description is reserved for future generations.