Integrating Chinese and Western knowledge: a case of scholar Fei Xiaotong

Abstract

<p>There is an increasing awareness of the significance of intellectual pluriversality worldwide in response to Western epistemic dominance in higher education. Yet, such a call has not been met by research that identifies concrete actions and structured efforts to promote diversity and the inclusion of knowledge. This article focuses on how to integrate Chinese and Western cultures and knowledge through the case of an exemplary Chinese scholar, Fei Xiaotong. It reviews Fei’s scholarly writings, biographies, and interviews with him by others, as well as the literature on him, to study his life experiences, perspectives, and research. A fundamental cultural appreciation attitude, engagement with multiple knowledges, and conducting of culturally oriented research agendas are the three key elements to demonstrate how he grew into a scholar with high achievement in integrating Chinese and Western knowledge. Finally, it discusses the implications of the three elements and possible challenges in higher education.<br></p>