A theoretical outline is drawn for describing the development of Western modern epistemology in the forms of rationalism and empiricism. Their group divisions, theoretical divergence and agreement, key points in controversy and other intrinsically cognitive elements in respect to the development are analyzed, clarified and illustrated in detail. By doing so, the ” classical ”and ”complemental” group divisions, the issues concerning the origin of knowledge, probable knowledge, language, common sense, sentiments, naturalist methodology and others are extensively approached, and a comprehensive perspective for research in the epistemology of that time is finally provided.
This paper is largely abstracted from a speech which was delivered as one of a series of academic speeches for celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the founding of CASS. As a historical description, it outlines generally and systematically, with some necessary reflections, the main facts and developments of the studies of Western philosophy in China since modern time. And then a special attention is paid to a discussion concerning the present state of the studies, their gaining and shortage, and the various theoretical issues with their developing tendencies. Finally, some opinions and proposals are given, which are useful and constructive for both enlarging our research visions and improving our studies concerned.
