Abstract of PhD Thesis by: Dau Thi Hong

The project was completed at: University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi.

         

 

 

Scientific supervisor: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Do Thi Hoa Hoi

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The dissertation will be defended before the National University Dissertation Examination Board.

The PhDs are meeting at . ...

at [time] on [date] [month] [year] 20...

 

         

 

 

 

 

 

The thesis can be found at:

- National Library of Vietnam

- Information and Library Center, Vietnam National University, Hanoi

 

INTRODUCTION

1. The urgency of the topic

Humanistic ideological elements emerged very early in human history and flourished during the Renaissance, becoming humanism. This system of humanistic views and ideas gradually perfected, not only expressing the concept of love for humanity, respect for human dignity, and appreciation for abilities, but also affirming the right to existence and development of human beings, considering the legitimate interests of human beings as the standard for evaluating social relations. In short, it is the praise and glorification of the "human" values ​​of humanity. In the current context, the world is increasingly experiencing many changes in various aspects of social life, causing people to become distracted and even experience a crisis of values. However, as an inevitable and natural reaction, people are turning towards humanistic aspirations and ideas, honoring the universal humanistic values ​​of humanity, in order to resolve impasses, despair, and the hope of escaping injustice, inequality, and intense conflicts. More than ever, humanism is highly valued today, uniting people of different ethnicities, religions, and nationalities to work together to solve common global problems. Especially since the two world wars and the current economic and health crises, humanity has become increasingly aware of the urgent need to embrace shared values, which means continuing to propagate, explain, and spread the content of humanism and humanist thought.

Regarding Vietnamese culture, many researchers have argued that humanistic ideological elements were formed early in tradition. Due to specific historical conditions and a unique culture, our nation has adapted, preserved, and developed humanistic values ​​from both Eastern and Western cultural sources. At the same time, the Vietnamese have synthesized and added their own unique characteristics to contribute to and integrate into the progressive flow of humanism in the region and the world. It can also be affirmed that Vietnamese humanistic thought is a dominant trend in Vietnamese philosophical thought; it is both a way of life and a value, a constant inherent in the transformation of the value system during different periods of Vietnamese intellectual history. Traditional Vietnamese humanism was born, nurtured, and developed over thousands of years of nation-building and defense, within a unique socio-economic context and timeframe, possessing both universal human characteristics and a distinctly Asian way of thinking. Inheriting and crystallizing from this historical and cultural depth, Nguyen Du's humanism has added unique content to Vietnamese humanism.

The values ​​of Nguyen Du's humanist thought transcend national boundaries to affirm its global significance, not only having historical importance for society in his time but also being a timeless traditional asset. Today, studying the content and value of Nguyen Du's humanist thought aims to provide a comprehensive and systematic understanding of one of the most representative figures in the development of Vietnamese thought. It is crucial for absorbing and developing Vietnamese humanism in the new historical context. Especially in the new social context, with its issues of humanity and human morality, and its understanding of respect for the right to life and equality, returning to further study Nguyen Du's humanist thought becomes even more urgent. This helps us to absorb, preserve, and cherish the cultural essence of our nation, thereby equipping ourselves with the necessary knowledge about the ideological and cultural values ​​of our own people, and contributing to building a better, healthier society, guiding people towards the values ​​of truth, goodness, and beauty.

For the reasons mentioned above, the graduate student chose this topic."The humanist ideology of Nguyen Du andmeaningits current stateI used it as the research topic for my doctoral dissertation in philosophy.

2. Purpose and research objectives of the thesis

The purpose of this thesis is to clarify the origins and fundamental content of Nguyen Du's humanist thought, its value in the history of Vietnamese thought, and its contemporary significance.

Objective: To achieve the above purpose, the thesis has the following tasks:

- Clarify the conditions and prerequisites for the formation of Nguyen Du's humanist thought.

- Analyzing and interpreting the humanist thought of Nguyen Du.

- Assessing the values, limitations, and contemporary significance of Nguyen Du's humanist thought.

3. Research Subjects and Scope

Research subject: The humanist thought of Nguyen Du

Scope of research: The works of Nguyen Du, historical and literary documents, and texts related to the life and career of Nguyen Du.

4. Theoretical basis and research methods

ButTheoretical basis:The fundamental principles and methodology of Marxist-Leninist philosophy

- DocumentationThe sources of reference for this topic include historical works from the late 18th and early 19th centuries, published scientific works related to the topic, and the writings of Nguyen Du.

* Research methods: The author uses the main research methods of dialectical materialism such as: moving from abstract to concrete, the unity of logic and history, the unity of analysis and synthesis, the unity of induction and deduction, the comparative method, the generalization method, the abstraction method, deduction and induction, structural systems, and textual studies.

5.Contribution of the thesis

- The dissertation analyzes and clarifies the most important conditions and prerequisites for the emergence of Nguyen Du's humanist thought.

- The dissertation has systematically analyzed in depth the fundamental contents of Nguyen Du's humanist thought, such as: the concept of humanity and human condition, love for humanity, human values ​​and rights, and human liberation.

- The dissertation analyzed and clarified the current values ​​and meanings, as well as the limitations, of Nguyen Du's humanist thought from the perspective of cultural philosophy and value philosophy.

6. Theoretical and practical significance of the thesis.

- Theoretical significance:

Based on the research tasks outlined above, this thesis contributes to a systematic and in-depth study of the humanist thought of Nguyen Du – one of the cultural figures of the Vietnamese nation.

- Practical significance:This dissertation can be used as a reference for research and teaching of Vietnamese intellectual history. Additionally, it can serve as a learning and research resource for anyone interested in this topic.

7. Structure of the thesis:

Besides the introduction, conclusion, bibliography, and list of the author's published works related to the thesis, the thesis consists of 4 chapters and 14 sections.

CHAPTER 1. OVERVIEW OF THE RESEARCH SITUATION

I.Research grouprelated toThe context and premise that shaped Nguyen Du's humanist thought.

1. Related to beconomic context,society,culture,thought

Some research studies address the economic, social, cultural, and ideological context, such as:History of the Vietnamese Feudal System, Volume 3: Periods of Crisis and Decline,History of Vietnam from the 10th to the 19th centuries,History of Vietnamese thoughtEdited by Nguyen Tai Thu,A brief history of Vietnamese philosophical thought." edited by Nguyen Tai Dong,The Tale of Kieu and the Nguyen Du era (1956)By Truong Tuu. Through the works mentioned above, we see that almost all authors affirm the influence of the Vietnamese social context of the late 18th and early 19th centuries on Nguyen Du's thought, a turbulent society with historical changes and the harshness of human fate. This social reality was reflected in his thoughts and feelings, and crystallized in his outstanding literary works.

1.1. Regarding the premise

Several studies address this premise, such as: "The Poetics of Truyện Kiều" by Trần Đình Sử, "The Influence of Confucianism on Nguyễn Du's Thought" by Lê Thị Lan, "The Philosophical and Religious Values ​​in Truyện Kiều" by Thích Thiên Ân, Thích Nhất Hạnh's "Floating a Raft of Reeds," "Truyện Kiều – The Quintessence of Vietnamese Culture," Lê Văn Quán… Through studying Nguyễn Du's thought, most researchers affirm that Nguyễn Du was a Confucian scholar living during a time of turmoil and the decline of Confucianism. The influences of Buddhism, Taoism, traditional humanist thought, and especially bourgeois ideology made Nguyễn Du an unorthodox Confucian scholar.

1.2.Related research groupnexthumanist ideological contentby Nguyen Du

1.2.1.Related toNguyen Du's conception of humanity and the human condition.

Some research works address the concept of humanity and human identity, such as:Vietnamese literature at the end of the 18th century - end of the 19th centuryby Nguyen Loc,Regarding the individual in classical literature Vietnam(1996)Self-compassion in human beings - a unique expression of the idea Individual consciousness in Nguyen Du's classical Chinese poetryby Nguyen Thi Nuong,Rereading The Tale of Kieuby Vu Hanh,

1.2.2.Related toNguyen Du's ideas on human rights

Several studies have addressed the concept of human rights, such as Hoai Thanh's *The Right to Life in Nguyen Du's *The Tale of Kieu*, Truong Tuu's *The Tale of Kieu* and the Nguyen Du Era, and Nguyen Loc's *Vietnamese Literature in the Late 18th and Early 19th Centuries*. Generally, researchers from various fields have identified the issue of human rights, such as the right to life and the right to equality, in Nguyen Du's thought. However, these are merely presentations, lacking analysis and comparison with the modern concept of human rights. This dissertation continues to research the concept of human rights, focusing on the content of the right to life, the right to freedom, and the right to equality, and compares and places Nguyen Du's ideas within the history of Vietnamese thought to highlight its progressive values.

1.2.3.Related toNguyen Du's ideology of human liberation

Research studies related to the ideology of human liberation:A force rising up to break free from its cage.by Le Tri Vien,The synthesis of ideas and art in The Tale of Kieuby Vu Thanh,The Tale of Kieu and the era of Nguyen Duof Truong Tuu… In general, studies are consistent in their understanding of the ideological aspect of earthly humanity and the aspirations for human liberation in Nguyen Du's thought. They see "the aspiration for life, the liberation of human emotions, the issue of the individual, the free and individualistic human being…"

1.3. Research works on the humanistic ideological values ​​of Nguyen Du

The articles “The Tale of Kieu – the anguish of existence" by Nguyen Huu Hieu,Ethics and Art – The Case of Nguyen Du's The Tale of Kieu”, author Tran Thanh Dam, dissertationBuddhist worldview in Nguyen Du's "The Tale of Kieu" - its value and limitations.by Ho Ngoc Anh, ThesisPhilosophical ideas in Nguyen Du's *Truyen Kieu*By Dinh Thi Diem… Through the works summarized, the author of this dissertation has gained additional tools, materials, and different approaches when delving into the study of Nguyen Du's humanistic thought. Studies and assessments highly value the contributions Nguyen Du made to the nation and humanity. However, these assessments need to be strengthened with factual evidence. This dissertation continues to explore further the values ​​of Nguyen Du's humanistic thought for the history of Vietnamese thought and for contemporary society in terms of ethics and lifestyle.

1.4. The results are inherited from previously published works, and the dissertation issues require further research.

Although the research objectives of this dissertation have been of interest to many researchers, approaching Nguyen Du's humanist thought from a philosophical perspective, and thereby drawing out the basic foundations and content to assess its value and limitations for social life and national culture, is essential and, to date, no work has systematically and in-depth studied it.

The first,In relation to the dissertation topic "Nguyen Du's humanist thought," the books and articles reviewed above are all valuable works, contributing academically and practically to various aspects of Nguyen Du's humanist thought. These are important results containing fundamental evidence, as well as relatively consistent observations and conclusions, providing a rich source of material to clarify the issues raised in the dissertation. These premises are significant, both providing material and suggesting further steps for the author to delve deeper into the main objectives of the dissertation.

MondayWhile significant achievements have been made in research on Nguyen Du's humanist thought, no study has yet approached it from a philosophical perspective to systematize and delve into the fundamental values ​​and content of his thought from a historical and contemporary viewpoint.

Tuesday,When studying Nguyen Du's humanitarian and humanistic thought, researchers often focus on The Tale of Kieu while neglecting or superficially examining his classical Chinese poetry. However, a closer examination of his works reveals this.It is a natural talent of Nguyen Du.This is the profound sorrow that transcends space and time, concentrated in his classical Chinese poetry. The author of this thesis attempts to delve into the unifying humanistic themes in Nguyen Du's works, including both The Tale of Kieu and his classical Chinese poetry.

The following issues need further research and resolution in this thesis:

Based on the achievements of previous researchers and addressing the shortcomings in the objectives and tasks of this thesis, the following issues will be addressed in this dissertation:

- Firstly, applying studies on humanism from a philosophical perspective to research the thought of Nguyen Du.

Secondly, the thesis systematizes and more fully explains the theoretical and practical foundations for the formation of Nguyen Du's humanist thought. Based on previous research, the thesis analyzes and synthesizes the foundations and prerequisites for the formation of Nguyen Du's humanist thought. It clarifies the origins of Vietnamese national humanism, which Nguyen Du continued to inherit and develop based on the objective realities of Vietnamese society in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The thesis also highlights the inheritance and differences in the content of Nguyen Du's humanist thought compared to Eastern humanist values ​​such as Confucianism and Buddhism. From a philosophical and cultural perspective, the thesis explores the cultural sources of his hometown of Ha Tinh, the culture of Thang Long, and family culture that contributed to the formation of Nguyen Du's humanist thought. This is a new contribution of the thesis in studying Nguyen Du's humanist thought.

- Thirdly, the thesis identifies, systematizes, and analyzes the fundamental contents of Nguyen Du's humanist thought. The basic contents of Nguyen Du's humanist thought are viewed by the author from the perspective of cultural philosophy and value philosophy, according to the criteria of the modern conception of this concept. Issues such as progressive views on humanity, especially the attitude of respect, love, and trust in women; the emphasis on natural rights in moral terms; and the aspirations to liberate humanity from the constraints of feudal society... are all distinctive humanist ideas that Nguyen Du contributed to the nation and humankind.

Fourth, based on the above results, determine the value and significance of these ideas for Vietnamese history in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, and point out their limitations and value for social life in our country today. In the current new era, Nguyen Du's ideas contribute to inheriting and developing Vietnamese humanism, creating ethical and humanistic values ​​for modern people, integrating into the trend of honoring humanity in progressive humanism, and at the same time contributing to solving human problems in general and problems related to ethics and lifestyle in particular in the new era.

The study of "Nguyen Du's humanist thought" is a return to, on the one hand, reaffirming the intellectual value that Nguyen Du left for posterity, and on the other hand, contributing to the enhancement and supplementation of modern content of humanist thought in order to comprehensively understand his brilliant cultural personality with its timeless spiritual heritage and values. This is truly a heartfelt aspiration of the author, contributing to answering many unanswered questions when studying Nguyen Du. Through a review of research works related to the dissertation topic, and an objective assessment of the achievements and shortcomings of previous authors, the author of the dissertation recognizes that research on Nguyen Du's humanist thought, and the identification of its value and limitations in social life, has not yet been systematically addressed in any work. Therefore, the topic "Nguyen Du's humanist thought and its contemporary significance" that the author chose for his dissertation is feasible and does not overlap with previously published works.

   CHAPTER 2. HISTORICAL AND SOCIAL CONTEXT AND THE PREMISES FOR THE EMERGENCE OF NGUYEN DU'S HUMANISTIC THOUGHT

2.1. The economic, political, social, cultural, and ideological context of Vietnam in the late 18th and early 19th centuries for the emergence of Nguyen Du's humanist thought.

2.2.1. Economic Context

The Vietnamese economy in the first half of the 19th century suffered a severe decline in all aspects: agriculture, industry, and commerce. Due to the policies of the Nguyen dynasty, newly emerging capitalist elements in various economic sectors, which were developing naturally and progressively in line with the demands of society at that time, were stifled. The commodity economy thus shrank. On this basis, national finances became increasingly depleted. The lives of the people became increasingly difficult. The conflict between the feudal rulers and the people, primarily the peasants, became extremely intense and manifested itself profoundly in a series of peasant uprisings throughout the reigns of several Nguyen emperors.

2.2.2. Political ContextButsociety

The chaotic and turbulent socio-political situation, stemming from fierce class struggle and the infighting and bloodshed between feudal forces vying for the throne, plunged Vietnamese society into a profound crisis. From this regime crisis, the Confucian value system faced instability, and all social order fractured. Simultaneously, widespread peasant uprisings erupted, reflecting the people's struggles for survival and existence. The breakthrough of the Tay Son peasant movement, along with the establishment of the Tay Son dynasty, despite its relatively short duration (1778-1802), held great significance for national history: "The Tay Son uprising brought the 18th-century peasant movement to a new stage: the stage where the peasant movement transformed into a national movement, or where the peasant movement undertook the task of carrying out important national duties."

Thus, it can be seen that by the latter half of the 18th century and the first half of the 19th century, the weakening of the Vietnamese feudal regime and its crisis were no longer just signs. In reality, the Vietnamese feudal regime had entered a period of severe crisis and decline, preparing for its complete collapse at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. This crisis manifested itself in many aspects, but the most prominent was the rottenness and decay throughout the entire structure of the feudal regime.

2.2.3. Cultural Context,thought

In terms of ideology: The 18th century was a century full of suffering, but it was also a period that created groundbreaking content in the history of national thought. It was a century of uprising from the dark lives of the peasants, a century of humanistic aspirations: freedom, justice, and happiness. The turbulent realities of feudal society, along with the profound cultural "sediment" of the nation, produced individuals of immense intellectual stature in many aspects.

On the other hand, the profound social changes and intellectual and cultural movements of the 18th century marked the birth and development of the humanist intellectual movement. According to many scholars, the 18th century was the peak of Vietnamese intellectual history, and the intellectual foundations from previous centuries contributed to giving humanist thought during this period its own unique character, with a rich and profound content.

2.3. The fundamental prerequisites for the formation of Nguyen Du's humanist thought.

2.31. Traditional Vietnamese humanist thought

Vietnamese national humanism is expressed throughinterpersonal relationships, community relationships, ethnic relationshipsIn every aspect of reality, this includes relations in labor and production, economics; political, legal, moral, aesthetic, literary, artistic, religious, customary, and daily life relations; and also relations with nature and all things around us. From the humanistic way of life characteristic of the rice-farming agricultural culture, concepts and ideas are formed... often considered philosophies. These philosophies focus on interpreting the way of being human with its humanistic nature and the independent, self-reliant, and strong nation with the patriotic spirit of the people. Therefore, humanistic thought and patriotic thought become two fundamental characteristics of Vietnamese humanism..Nguyen Du's humanist thought was formed and developed within the humanist tradition of Vietnamese culture. And it is precisely from these premises that he developed his ideas.Nguyen DuSatisfiedInheriting and developing traditional Vietnamese humanism with new and progressive dimensions, reflecting the aspirations of people in a special period of Vietnamese history.

2.3.2.Humanistic thought in Confucianism and Buddhismreligion, Taoism

Nguyen Du was influenced by the tradition of religious syncretism in the history of Vietnamese thought. However, the "harmonious origin" of the three religions in Nguyen Du's thought has a different character from other Vietnamese thinkers. He did not focus on theoretical explanations, nor did he express these ideas through lectures; instead, these ideas were subtly present in his poetry, interwoven with interpretations of humanity and life throughout his works, from the masterpiece *Truyen Kieu* to his classical Chinese poems. Nguyen Du's attitude as a true Confucian scholar did not reject the universal values ​​of Buddhism and Taoism, but rather cherished and interwoven them into a pluralistic, diverse ideology, easily adaptable to life and easily explaining the complexities of life. It can be seen that the combination, or in other words, the harmony of the three religions in Nguyen Du's thought, contributed to elevating humanistic thought to a new level. It also helped him gain a more multifaceted perspective on human life, shedding some of the overly heavy and rigid moral burdens of Confucian ideals and the "humanistic" poet's status, while simultaneously deepening his "humanistic" perspective.

24. Nguyen Du –background, career

Nguyễn Du, whose given name was Tố Như, pen name Thanh Hiên, and also nicknamed Hồng Sơn Liệp Hộ, was born on November 23, 1765 (the year of Ất Dậu), during the Cảnh Hưng era of Emperor Lê Hiển Tông, in Thăng Long (Hanoi) into a powerful aristocratic family of the time. However, Nguyễn Du's life was marked by many vicissitudes and experiences.

In Nguyen Du's genius, he inherited the refined manners of the Kinh Bac region through his mother's influence, the heroic spirit of his father's homeland of Hong Lam, along with loyalty, integrity, and literary talent passed down through generations. His many years living with his uncle in Thang Long left a lasting impression on his memory. However, these factors alone are insufficient to create his complex and contradictory character. We must also consider the turbulent times when he lived in remote villages, enduring the material deprivations of the time, as well as his arduous journeys abroad, representing a royal court on its tribute mission, encountering a new culture and customs, and the solitude of a solitary traveler seeking answers to the complexities of human existence. Besides the Confucian texts he read, his encounters with the myriad realities of the people laid the foundation for Nguyen Du's literary genius and thought. Perhaps all these elements combined to create and elevate this exceptional individual, transforming Nguyen Du into a great poet and cultural figure whose ideas and values, as reflected in his work, shine like a flawless, multifaceted gem.

CONCLUSION OF CHAPTER 2

Above, we have studied the practical basis, theoretical premise, and the unique cultural personality of Nguyen Du, with its rich dimensions, which influenced his humanistic thought.

His writings, influenced by the diverse cultural spaces of the nation (Thang Long, Hong Lam, Kinh Bac, Hue), and direct interaction with one of the cradles of Eastern civilization – Chinese culture, absorbing Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism; with the sensitivity of a heart and mind always deeply concerned with humanity and life amidst the upheavals of Vietnamese history; and the impact of many social events as well as family life, Nguyen Du created literary works that, while not truly monumental, are invaluable. Through each line of his poetry, a rich inner world of sensitivity, love, and compassion is revealed, along with philosophical reflections stemming from practical experience and the fusion of the three religions, as is the Vietnamese tradition of thought. His humanist spirit, tolerant attitude, empathy, and understanding are the keys to Nguyen Du's ability to touch people's hearts and leave a lasting impression on them at various levels. From that perspective, Nguyen Du transcended the position of a Confucian scholar or an artist to become a humanist, a cultural figure, and a great thinker of the nation and humanity.

CHAPTER 3. CONTENTBASICHUMANISTIC IDEOLOGYBELONG TONGUYEN DU

3.1. Concepts of humanity and the human condition

3.1.1. The Human Being as an Essence

In Nguyen Du's humanist thought, the human being is not a functional or role-based individual, but rather a human being in their inherent natural state. It can be said that, with Nguyen Du, for the first time in the history of Vietnamese thought, a significant shift occurred.SatisfiedSpeaking of the issue of human essence, Nguyen Du emphasizes the fundamental nature of human existence. According to Nguyen Du, this nature of existence is viewed from many perspectives, but he focuses and delves deeply into the fundamental issues of existence. These are the issues...femaleDeath, sadness, suffering, and loneliness are fundamental aspects of life.In a way that is not direct but very subtle,Nguyen Du proved himself to be a thinker who was always deeply concerned with understanding and contemplating the essence and self of human beings.

3.1.2.Respect human life.

Nguyen Du demonstrated his respect for human life, most notably through his condemnation and opposition to war. This reflects his conception and perspective on the fundamental and sacred right of human beings: the right to live, to exist, to be. From this concept of respecting and cherishing human life, Nguyen Du moved on to the concept of the right to life and the ideas demanding the realization of this right.

3.1.3.The human condition

In Nguyen Du's philosophy, the issue of human identity is closely linked to the issue of women's identity. His conception of women represents a development in both creative and aesthetic concepts, a maturation in his understanding of women, social reality, and artistic creation. It holds groundbreaking significance in terms of the historical progress of recognizing new perspectives, with Nguyen Du being one of the pioneers of this new way of looking at many issues related to the identity and aspirations of women. In particular, his reflection of the desire to liberate women from the outdated and harsh notions of feudal thought is an extremely progressive and modern aspect of this great poet's work.

3.2. Loving humanity

3.2.1. Tboundless love

Nguyen Du's love for humanity clearly stems from the cultures he was influenced by, but above all, it is a continuation and development of the compassionate tradition of Vietnamese culture. It is a natural understanding and sharing between people, in the spirit of "Oh gourd, have pity on the pumpkin, though different in kind, they grow on the same vine," which has become the moral root of the Vietnamese people.In his works, Nguyen Du always emphasized love and compassion – that is also his guiding principle.Nguyen Du's heart encompassed all human existence. Stemming from boundless love and respect for humanity, Nguyen Du transcended ideological boundaries and the limitations of his era to delve into, explore, and uncover issues concerning human beings and their fate.

3.2.2. Love and compassion for the talented but ill-fated woman.

Nguyen Du's greatest concern was the plight of women, especially those "talented but ill-fated." He did not view them as "different from himself," but rather elevated them to the center, placing them in relation to talented Confucian scholars like himself. Looking more broadly, this awareness was not unique to Nguyen Du, but was a characteristic of his era. The formation of the concept of the individual self, the awareness of talent and beauty, which emerged and was affirmed in the later stages of the Vietnamese feudal system, created a revival in the respect for women within Vietnamese national tradition, giving rise to a movement praising women such as Ho Xuan Huong, Dang Tran Con, Doan Thi Diem, Nguyen Gia Thieu… among whom Nguyen Du's thoughts were the most heartfelt and profound.

3.2.3.Condemn the inhumane forces.

Nguyen Du criticized the unjust and corrupt feudal society with its oppressive bureaucratic system: From local officials, prefects, and district magistrates to the Governor-General, they were all irresponsible, incompetent, and worse, corrupt, lecherous, and tyrannical individuals. Along with criticizing a society that stifled development, he condemned the destructive power of money and material possessions on human dignity. This marked a significant step forward, introducing new content to humanist thought based on the evolving characteristics of social history.

From another perspective, Nguyen Du condemned the evil and wickedness in society from a humanistic standpoint, namely the crimes of human degradation committed by society. Unlike contemporary thinkers, Nguyen Du did not dwell much on the consequences of the prolonged wars of his time, but instead focused his attention on the internal struggle within humanity: the struggle against alienation.

3.3. Upholding human values ​​and human rights

3.3.1. Emphasize ghuman values

Nguyen Du's conception of human value is clearly influenced by Confucian thought, but in some aspects, it transcends the limitations of Confucianism, establishing the unique and progressive nature of Nguyen Du's humanist thought. Nguyen Du valued both the physical body and the talent and the heart. These are the categories that constitute specific, individual human beings. In particular, Nguyen Du highly valued the worth of women.The freedom of decision, first and foremost, is a liberation of the body, because Nguyen Du was aware that"The body is a value, but not a value for buying and selling, for exchange, or for the value of an object or a tool.

3.3.2.Human rights

Nguyen Du, stemming from his conception of the individual – the person with the Self – the individual, recognized that the primary value of a human being lies in their physical body, a part of their own being that must not be violated and should be treated equally. Therefore, he raised the issue of the right to life, primarily concerning the physical aspect. More specifically, Nguyen Du focused on the right to protect spiritual values, the right to aspire, to yearn, to experience joy and sorrow, to hope and to suffer; the right to live independently in terms of thought and to fulfill those aspirations. According to Nguyen Du,right to lifeIt is human instinct, and being human means first and foremost to live, to survive, even if that desire for life comes at the highest and darkest cost. Furthermore, Nguyen Du discusses...equality of human dignityas a major theme in his thought.

3.4. The ideology of human liberation

Nguyen Du's humanist thought reflects the aspiration for human liberation, focusing on the liberation of the spirit, thought, and human values ​​associated with their abilities. Nguyen Du was deeply concerned with the desire for liberation and the development of beautiful abilities through the awakening of the individual's self-awareness. The individual, with their defined qualities and abilities, is the object of Nguyen Du's concern, contemplation, and reflection in his philosophical reflections on human life. Nguyen Du delved into the inner life of the individual, depicting the arduous, difficult, and fierce struggle of the individual's consciousness maturation, their aspiration to live, protect their dignity, and resist "alienation."

CONCLUSION OF CHAPTER 3

Nguyen Du's humanist thought is an outstanding inheritance of the nation's millennia-old tradition of compassion, an assimilation of suitable elements of Confucian, Buddhist, and Taoist humanist thought, synthesized and developed into a very distinctive system of content:

In his thought on humanity, Nguyen Du focuses on the individual with their very instinctive and natural needs and psychology. This is an ontological approach by the great poet, different from the dogmatic thinking influenced by official Confucian thought. Nguyen Du sought to explore and dissect the soul and thoughts of real people with many different nuances and shades, rather than simply, one-sidedly, and abstractly.

The conception of women in Nguyen Du's works represents a development in both creative and aesthetic concepts, as well as a maturation in the understanding of women in relation to social reality and artistic creation. It is groundbreaking in terms of the historical progress of recognizing new perspectives, with Nguyen Du being one of the pioneers of this new way of looking at many issues related to the plight and aspirations of women. In particular, his reflection of the desire to liberate women from the outdated and harsh notions of feudal thought is an extremely progressive and modern aspect of this great poet's work.

Nguyen Du's humanist ideology is also primarily reflected in his portrayal of liberating humanity from inhumane concepts and guiding people towards happiness.

And the concepts and ideas that we have temporarily divided for convenience in analysis above are relative because the contents of Nguyen Du's humanist thought are interwoven through a unique form of expression, literature, so their implications are intertwined. On the other hand, Nguyen Du's humanist thought is a major content, a value in his legacy with a rather massive body of work, so research within the limits of this thematic study will certainly "miss" many works that have not been mentioned due to limitations in time and access to the texts. What has been discovered creates a more solid basis to affirm that Nguyen Du's humanist thought contains many valuable philosophical elements.

CHAPTER 4: THE HUMANISTIC VALUE OF NGUYEN DU

4.1. Some humanistic ideological values ​​of Nguyen Du

4.1.1.Valuehumanity

His humanist ideas played a role in awakening and calling upon people to have self-respect in their own existence.

The issues he raised so passionately, such as freedom, happiness, freedom of love, upholding human dignity, and gender equality, are manifestations of a modern humanism that focuses on these aspects.the value of individual human rights

The humanistic value of Nguyen Du's thought also lies in his attitude of elevating earthly human beings with their instinctive and humanistic aspirations. These instinctive desires are real, ultimate, and ever-present, not only for those living in the dark and oppressive society of the late 18th century, but they are the common aspirations of all people from birth, regardless of class, ethnicity, or historical era.

4.1.2. National values

The firstBy absorbing and inheriting the humanistic spirit and values ​​in the cultural traditions of the Vietnamese nation, as well as selectively absorbing the humanistic values ​​of Eastern culture, Nguyen Du developed his humanistic thought in a profound way, containing many progressive values. This enriched and deepened the content of concepts, categories, and viewpoints in humanistic thought in general, and the humanistic spirit and values ​​of Vietnam in particular, contributing to the development of Vietnamese national humanistic thought and, on that basis, enriching the identity and traditions of the Vietnamese nation.

Secondly, inheriting and developing the humanist thought of the Vietnamese nation. With a profound realistic perspective, Nguyen Du's humanist thought contributed to the development and supplementation of Vietnamese humanist thought with new, progressive content and viewpoints, reflecting the demands of historical development and social progress. Contents such as the emphasis on the value of women and the awareness of equality are closely related to the issue of gender equality in modern times.

Thirdly, Nguyen Du's humanist thought brought into the content of Vietnamese national humanist thought perspectives that vividly and profoundly reflected the realities of social life, enlivening the spirit and ideology of national humanism.

4.2. Limitations in Nguyen Du's humanist thought

The first limitation is the inconsistency in interpreting human suffering in society.

In Nguyen Du's works, on the one hand, readers recognize that behind the suffering and misfortune of people, especially women, lies the feudal ruling power; on the other hand, he blames Heaven and fate.

The second limitation is that Nguyen Du was at a dead end in his quest for human happiness.

Nguyen Du presented the concept of "Heart" (or "Mind") as a "solution" to liberate humanity from misfortune and suffering. From a modern perspective, the idea of ​​using "Heart" to alleviate human suffering has some reasonable aspects, but elevating it to a solution—and the only solution—to save humanity in the struggle against the inhumane forces that dominate people is clearly an idealistic and ultimately failed approach.

Third limitation,Nguyen Du failed to address the issue of human liberation from a thoroughly revolutionary social perspective. This partly stemmed from his worldview and political attitude outside of his time, as he had not yet reached the most progressive political standpoint of the era. His class position, coupled with the stagnation and inertia of Vietnamese society in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, when progressive forces had yet to establish themselves, also contributed to the incompleteness of his ideas on human liberation.

4.3The significance of Nguyen Du's humanist thought forVietnamese societypresentlynow

4.3.1. Nguyen Du's humanist ideologyRegarding the understanding and resolution of human issues in society.

In the current context, recognizing and evaluating the contemporary value of Nguyen Du's humanist thought helps us to adopt the right attitude in promoting the humanist traditions of our ancestors in the overall development of the country and the promotion of cultural elements in particular. The traditional Vietnamese humanist tradition, with the significant contributions of Nguyen Du, is an important prerequisite for transmitting, establishing, and developing revolutionary humanism. This is a crucial reason why we honor Nguyen Du as a great thinker. The values ​​of Vietnamese humanism, including Nguyen Du's humanist thought, are one of the constituent elements of the nation's "soft power." It increases the persuasiveness, influence, attraction, and appeal to people in further perfecting the necessary qualities of a modern citizen.

4.3.2.Nguyen Du's humanist ideologyregarding moral developmentlifestyleVietnamese people today

Nguyen Du's humanist philosophy contributed to shaping people's moral consciousness and positive lifestyles.

Nguyen Du's humanist philosophy helps people choose appropriate moral values, the core of which is love for humanity. Returning to Nguyen Du's humanist values ​​helps people clearly see the value and meaning of life as profoundly humane, compassionate, and humane; these values ​​humanize people and their current living circumstances. Based on this, people choose a system of values ​​and form beliefs and moral ideals, guiding all their thoughts and actions, strengthening and developing good character values.

Nguyen Du's humanist ideology contributed to...Educating people in humanistic values ​​today.

Nguyen Du's humanist thought, in itself, has educational significance for each individual, helping them develop holistically, while also contributing to the healthy and ethical development of society. Through the actions and thoughts of each individual, humanist values ​​will guide the choice of appropriate value systems. Furthermore, the implementation of a humanist culture and environment will create conditions for the development of Vietnamese people in all aspects of life, contributing to the overall progress of humanity.

CONCLUDECHAPTER 4

Evaluating and defining the value of an idea is difficult enough, but when it comes to Nguyen Du's ideas, which are not presented systematically through his works but are instead interwoven into literature, it becomes even more challenging and complex. The assessments and interpretations of Nguyen Du's humanistic thought mentioned above only go so far. In the practical life of Vietnamese people, Nguyen Du's ideas can be found in other aspects that can only be evaluated from different perspectives. However, regardless of the perspective, Nguyen Du's humanistic thought possesses universal and national value. This humanistic thought is significant not only for his time but also has profound implications for Vietnamese society today.

Nguyen Du expressed his views on humanity and life, his reflections on the status and value of women in a patriarchal society, and his intense aspirations for human rights through a unique linguistic form. These were pressing and burning issues of "human existence" in Vietnamese feudal society, which was on the verge of crisis and decline. Nguyen Du's humanist thought inherited and developed the humanist ideas of his time to a higher level, deepening and enlivening the humanist thought of the Vietnamese nation. These issues still offer meaningful lessons for addressing human problems such as human rights, gender equality, and especially the development of individuals with moral and humanistic qualities. In the current context, perfecting cultural values, including Vietnamese humanism, according to the standards of Truth, Goodness, and Beauty, based on inheriting and promoting the nation's spiritual and cultural values, while selectively absorbing contemporary spiritual and cultural values, is an essential requirement of the development process.

 

CONCLUDE

Nguyen Du's humanist thought is an outstanding inheritance and development of the Vietnamese nation's humanist tradition. At the same time, it incorporates and integrates Eastern cultural values ​​such as Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism, based on a reflection of social reality during a turbulent period. The emergence of a great thinker like Nguyen Du was both unexpected and in line with the development of the nation's intellectual history. It represents the synthesis of culture not only in Vietnam but also in Southeast Asia, within the context of the declining feudal society of Vietnam, revealing its significant historical limitations in all aspects, and the humanist ideas of the era reaching their peak.

What is particularly noteworthy is that Nguyen Du saw not only the injustices and wrongs in society, but also, and primarily, the way society had betrayed the most beautiful qualities of humanity, persecuting and destroying their abilities and enthusiasm for life. In Nguyen Du's works, human tragedy is not only the suffering of hunger, cold, death, and the mundane necessities of life, but also the yearning for liberation and the development of beautiful abilities through the awakening of self-aware individuality. The individual human being emerges in Nguyen Du's works. Nguyen Du delved deeply into the inner life of the individual, depicting the arduous, difficult, and fierce struggle of human consciousness with the desire to live, protect human dignity, and fight against alienation in Vietnamese feudal society during its period of total crisis – its twilight. Nguyen Du discovered the immense power of humanity even in a life filled with misfortune, through his personal belief and experience, and through objective reflection on the interaction and struggle of human consciousness against cruel forces and the corrupting power of money – forces that are inhuman and go against the progress of humanity and society.

Nguyen Du's humanist thought holds a significant position and meaning in the history of Vietnamese thought at the end of the 18th century. His humanist thought continues the tradition and synthesizes the values ​​of humanist thought throughout Vietnamese history, which by the 18th century had become a continuous high point. Nguyen Du's humanist thought enriches and deepens the content of concepts, categories, and viewpoints in humanist thought in general, and the spirit and values ​​of Vietnamese humanism in particular. It contributes to the development and supplementation of Vietnamese humanist thought with new, progressive content and viewpoints, reflecting the demands of historical development and social progress, contributing to the development of Vietnamese national humanist thought, and on that basis enriching the identity and traditions of the Vietnamese nation. At the same time, Nguyen Du's humanist thought brought into the content of Vietnamese national humanist thought perspectives that vividly and profoundly reflected the realities of social life in the late 18th century, enlivening the spirit and ideology of national humanism.

Nguyen Du's humanist thought has made a tremendous contribution to the flow of Vietnamese culture. This cultural tradition has created a miraculous strength that has enabled our nation to endure and develop through thousands of years of history, and is currently a powerful driving force in the process of international integration. This humanist thought has allowed Nguyen Du's works to overcome the harsh scrutiny of time and transcend the limitations of space, finding shared understanding and empathy with people around the world. It has contributed to shaping the Vietnamese national identity and the Vietnamese way of life, from tradition to modernity and towards the future. The values ​​of Nguyen Du's humanist thought endure throughout the nation's history, becoming a distinctive element constituting Vietnamese humanism. Its limitations reveal the limitations of a social system, or more broadly, a past historical era, and by looking at it, people today can draw many lessons in addressing issues concerning humanity and humanism.