Rethinking Asia: the genealogy of critical thinking in East Asia

ABSTRACT The concept and connotation of critical thinking are formed based on human activities and social development in Europe and America, while relevant studies in East Asia are lacking. How to deconstruct the characteristics, formation and deep reasons of critical thinking in the East based on its continuous and dynamic human activities is still a challenge. Taking China as the research object, we reveal that the East also produces logic-based and intense critical thinking, and gradually integrates the characteristics of inclusiveness, euphemism, and result-oriented noun in the evolution, which can be attributed to the influence of war, religion, and nomadic and agricultural conflicts. This study is of great significance to the in-depth fundamental understanding of oriental critical thinking. It also holds promise to promote critical thinking education in East Asian countries and the cultural exchanges between the East and the West.