This lecture examines the period following the Sino-Japanese War of 1894-1895, focusing on the emergence of transitional thinkers such as Kang Youwei and Liang Qichao, who grappled with the urgency of cultural reform in China. It explores the phenomena of rationalization and cultural borrowing, drawing parallels between Chinese experiences and those of other civilizations such as Germany, Russia, and India. Additionally, it highlights the uniqueness of the Chinese case, emphasizing the profound challenges posed by the modern crisis to China's longstanding cultural heritage.
