Dissertation
Dissertation
My dissertation explores the 'chain of contempt' (bishilian in Chinese), a concept adapted from the biological food chain to describe hierarchical relationships based on arbitrary standards. In contemporary China, this phenomenon has become a prevalent tool for individuals to mock and criticize one another, often in an effort to assert superiority. While existing scholarship examines the nature and effects of chains of contempt, it has not fully addressed the interpersonal dynamics at play, particularly within the context of China's unique cultural and economic landscape. This project seeks to bridge that gap by providing an in-depth analysis of how these chains function in social interactions and relationships, and why certain chains of contempt lead to severe consequences in the Chinese context. By doing this, it finally offers a moral critique of the specific forms of the chain of contempt that result in harmful interpersonal and social outcomes.
Papers developed from the dissertation
Beyond the Rankings: A Self-Esteem-Centered Critique of Hierarchical Contempt in China
The Moral Wrong of the Harm of Self-Esteem under the Agency Moral Framework
Side Projects
Philosophy of Romantic Love
This project explores the nature and value of romantic love characterized by persistence and exclusivity. While such love has been widely recognized throughout history, contemporary attitudes often dismiss it as overly idealistic or unattainable. Rather than arguing that everyone should pursue this form of love, I propose that there are at least some reasons to encourage individuals to consider it, given its potential for deeper emotional fulfillment and personal growth. The project consists of five components. First, I analyze the metaphysical and epistemological dimensions of this love, distinguishing it from other forms of affection. Second, I examine its historical manifestations in Western and Eastern traditions. Third, I explore the necessary conditions for cultivating such love, emphasizing spiritual over material prerequisites. Fourth, I highlight the benefits of pursuing it, including virtue development. Finally, I address practical challenges, such as cultural perceptions that frame love as a luxury rather than a meaningful life pursuit.
Metaethics
Why Expressivists Cannot and Should not Use Schroeder’s Strategy to Solve Their Problem with Negation