The Lexicon of Empiricism and Chinese Modernization

By Thomas A. Metzger

The Lexicon of Empiricism and Chinese Modernization offers a deeply reflective exploration of how culture, philosophy, and empirical inquiry intersect in shaping China's modern transformation. In this ambitious work, Thomas A. Metzger argues that understanding modernization requires studying not only measurable events but also the Lebenswelt--the evolving moral concepts and cultural assumptions that guide political and social life. He highlights the enduring influence of Confucian value rationality, suggesting it aligns more closely with aspects of Western Enlightenment thought than commonly assumed. Blending philosophy, historiography, and cultural analysis, the book challenges mainstream approaches and offers a fresh perspective on China's intellectual landscape and its implications for global modernity.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 9882374166
• ISBN13: 9789882374164
• Release Date: December 2026
• Publisher: Chinese University of Hong Kong Press
• Length: 400 Pages