Philosophical practice and its development in China: opportunities and challenges

The study investigates how philosophical practice—applying philosophical theories, methods, and dialogue to everyday life—has emerged and evolved in China, and what challenges and prospects lie ahead. It situates the field within a global revival of philosophy as a way of life and identifies a gap in understanding China’s trajectory. The paper emphasizes the practical orientation of Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism as a foundation for contemporary practice and states the guiding research question: How has philosophical practice evolved in China, and what are its challenges and future prospects? The purpose is to trace developments, assess current challenges, and outline future pathways, highlighting the importance of philosophical practice for personal growth and societal well-being in China and beyond.

The paper reviews the global rise of philosophical practice, tracing key milestones from Gerd Achenbach’s establishment of philosophical counseling in Europe to parallel developments in the United States (e.g., Pierre Grimes’ Philosophical Midwifery). It foregrounds contributions by Dewey, Adler, and Hersh, who advocated for an engaged, public, and problem-oriented philosophy. International scholarship on philosophical practice as spiritual exercises and as an applied discipline is summarized, noting its growth and diversification. The review then turns to China’s context, where traditional philosophies (Confucianism, Daoism, Buddhism) provide a rich practical heritage. Early 21st-century introductions of Western methodologies into China catalyzed a synthesis with local traditions, informed by academic discourse and community initiatives. The literature also covers institutional developments in mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan (e.g., philosophy cafes, P4C programs, professional societies), and highlights Chinese scholarly work that adapts Western methods and develops indigenous approaches. Finally, it identifies a tendency in Chinese research toward practical application over theoretical depth, calling for stronger engagement with analytic tools and theoretical frameworks.

The study adopts a qualitative approach comprising: (1) literature review of international and Chinese scholarship on philosophical practice and counseling; (2) historical analysis of the roots of Chinese philosophical traditions and their integration with modern practices; and (3) case studies and descriptive accounts of Chinese philosophical practice communities and institutions (e.g., laboratories, research centers, philosophy cafes, professional associations) across mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. The synthesis aims to map development, identify challenges, and outline future directions; it does not involve human-participant empirical experiments.

- Philosophical practice in China is expanding, with increasing practitioners, institutional backing, and public engagement. Traditional Chinese philosophies (Confucianism, Daoism, Buddhism) are being adapted to address contemporary issues. - Mainland China: The Laboratory of Thought Analysis (Nanjing University, founded 2012 by Tianqun Pan) advances a "Thought Analysis" method that integrates Socratic dialogue and logical analysis. It has hosted international workshops with prominent practitioners (e.g., Lou Marinoff, Oscar Brenifier), fostering East-West exchange and academic recognition. The "Nanjing Circle" collaborates on research and translations. Xiamen University’s Nanqiang P4C Research Center (founded 2019 by Jianbo Cao) promotes P4C via annual summer schools, lectures, and demonstration classes, reaching millions of participants online/offline and establishing 13 practice bases by 2023 across cities such as Xiamen, Fuzhou, Quanzhou, Nanjing, and Changzhou. Inner Mongolia University’s 1957 Café (est. 2017 by Huiling Wang) innovates with Philosophical Dramas and Philosophical Games. - Hong Kong: The Hong Kong Philosophy Cafe (est. 1999 by Stephen R. Palmquist) popularizes public philosophical dialogue. Universities (Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Lingnan University) offer practical philosophy courses. The Hong Kong Practical Philosophy Society (HKPPS, est. 2010) partners with the American Philosophical Practitioners Association and offers certification courses (including those led by Lou Marinoff), professionalizing counseling. - Taiwan: Jess Fleming’s work integrates traditional Chinese philosophy with contemporary counseling. Universities (Huafan University, Fu Jen Catholic University) include philosophical counseling in curricula. The Taiwan Philosophical Counseling Association (TPCA, est. 2011) provides certifications and Logic-Based Therapy training, bolstering standards and professional development. - Research contributions: Chinese scholars adapt Western methods (Socratic method, FITT, PEACE process, worldview interpretation) and develop indigenous approaches (Pan’s Thought Analysis; Xisheng Wang’s Thought/Ethical Counseling; Ding’s Analytic Philosophical Practice; Bernard Li’s C.I.S.A.). They also integrate Confucian, Daoist, Buddhist resources into counseling, elucidating virtues, ethical conduct, and well-being. - Challenges identified: Emphasis on application sometimes outweighs theoretical rigor; limited academic recognition in China constrains publications and funding; cultural mindsets may hinder uptake; need to safeguard Chinese philosophical identity amid globalization. - Opportunities: Enhance theoretical foundations with analytic tools; expand education (P4C to adult learning), community forums, and government support; leverage technology (online/virtual counseling); strengthen international collaboration and potential formation of a national association in China.

The findings show that philosophical practice in China has moved from introduction and adaptation to a diversified ecosystem spanning universities, public forums, and professional societies. This addresses the research question by demonstrating both the evolution (institutionalization, pedagogical expansion, methodological innovation) and the ongoing challenges (theoretical depth, cultural acceptance, academic recognition). The results imply significant relevance for personal development, ethical reasoning, and social cohesion, aligning with traditional Chinese values while benefiting from global methodologies. Strengthening theoretical inquiry, balancing practical and analytic dimensions, and integrating Chinese traditions with rigorous frameworks can elevate the field’s scholarly standing. Educational initiatives, community engagement, and government support are pivotal for scaling impact. International dialogue can further refine methods and promote cross-cultural understanding, positioning Chinese philosophical practice as both culturally grounded and globally engaged.

Philosophical practice in China has achieved notable growth across education, research, and public engagement by blending rich Chinese philosophical traditions with modern counseling methods. Although the field remains relatively nascent and under-recognized within Chinese academia, it exhibits strong potential for deeper integration into society. Continued development will rely on enhancing theoretical rigor, expanding practitioner training and standards (including potential national association), integrating philosophy into school and lifelong learning, leveraging technology for access, and fostering international collaboration. With sustained investment and public outreach, philosophical practice is poised to contribute substantially to personal flourishing and societal well-being in China and to the global dialogue on philosophy as a way of life.

The article does not specify explicit study limitations. It is a qualitative synthesis based on literature review, historical analysis, and case-based descriptions, and it does not involve studies with human participants.