EIGHTEENTH-CENTURY FRENCH IDEAS IN THE LATE QING POLITICAL DISCOURSE: EXAMINING THE ROLE OF A RETROSPECTIVE APPROACH.

The article discusses the influence of 18th century French Enlightenment philosophy on Chinese intellectual life under the China's late Qing Dynasty from the late 19th century through the early 20th century, including in regard to the influence of the French philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau. An overview of the influence of Western civilization on China, including on Chinese political reforms, is provided.