The communication between different philosophical traditions always constitutes a difficult problem . As far as Chinese philosophy is concerned , since its goal , function and methods of study are greatly distinct from those of Western philosophy , it is harder for Western scholars to understand . Intending to help scholars trained in the Western philosophical tradition to understand Chinese philosophy , the author of the present paper tries to solve this communication problem from two angles . First , he revises the general “concept of philosophy” and proposes the “open concept of philosophy” in place of the “closed concept of philosophy” , so that the boundaries between different schools can be crossed . Second , he redefines the function of philosophy , juxtaposing its “orientation function” against its “cognitive function” , so as to put in relief the difference between Chinese and Western philosophical traditions , and to transcend their limits . Finally , he uses the philosophies of Mencius and Chuang-tzu to illustrate the orientation function of Chinese Philosophy . This article was originally written in English and collected in Understanding the Chinese Mind , published in 1989 by Oxford University Press . Except for a slight readjustment in tone , all the arguments in the Chinese version here remain the same as those in the original .