Hu Shi

Hu Shi (December 17, 1891 - February 24, 1962), whose original name was Siji, and his scientific name was Hong Wei, was later renamed Shi, and his courtesy name was Shizhi. The pen names used include: Xiqiang, Zishengsheng, Tie'er, Dongxin, Zang Hui's master, Zang Hui, etc. Born in Chuansha Hall, Songjiang Prefecture, Jiangsu Province, and Shangzhuang Town, Jixi County, Huizhou Prefecture, Anhui Province. He once served as president of National Peking University, dean of Academia Sinica, ambassador of the Republic of China to the United States, and director of the Board of Trustees of Fu Jen Catholic University and Nankai University. Hu Shi was one of the founders and leaders of the New Culture Movement. He had broad interests and rich writings. He conducted in-depth research in many fields such as literature, philosophy, history, textual criticism, education, ethics, and red studies, and was the pioneer of the movement. Philosophically, he advocates John Dewey's pragmatist methodology, advocating "bold assumptions and careful empirical evidence" and "experiment is the only touchstone of truth". Politically, he advocates liberalism. He is a controversial historical figure with multiple identities worth exploring, and one of the people most criticized by political forces from all sides. Hu Shi was a famous Chinese scholar, philosopher, educator, and literati who made certain contributions to the "May Fourth" New Culture Movement. Philosophically, he was the first to introduce American pragmatism to China. Politically, he has always advocated reform and negated revolution.