Grateful acknowledgement is made to the Department of Philosophy of Peking University for the development of the joint-colloquium which this volume represents. The concern of these philosophers for the multiple philosophical traditions of China and the world, past and present, laid the foundation for discussions of great richness and depth. The future orientation of their thought drew the philosophers visiting from many countries into exciting and creative interchange.

In particular, Prof. Prof. Huang Nan-sheng, Chairman of the Department, and Prof. Li Zhen assured that all was well prepared and extended generous care and hospitality to the visiting scholars. With Prof Tang Yi-jie, President of the International Academy of Chinese Culture, they developed the concept and theme of the colloquium and brought together a team of eminent scholars from Peking and other Universities.

Gratitude is extended also to the team of scholars who assembled at considerable personal sacrifice from all parts of the world to take part in the colloquium. They gave warm testimony of the deep and generous councern of all peoples for the great efforts underway in China. Their work on hermeneutic approaches and ethical implications provided an effective complement to the themes of the Chinese philosophers with whom they constituted a true community of scholars at work upon constructing for the future.

In this effort communication and hence translation has been crucial. Hence, special thanks is extended to those who through translating the texts and discussions painstakingly built the bridge of language across which ideas flowed freely and well.

In the preparation of the manuscripts for presentation and for Press many labored with great generosity both in China and here. Among these I can name only Mrs. B. Kennedy, who must stand for her colleagues in many lands, and the James A. McLeans.