Original Theory of Chinese Philosophy · On the Nature

Author: Tang Junyi
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-10-01
Features: The Chinese philosophical tradition is profound, with rich and diverse doctrines from various schools, yet its thoughts have evolved and are not born out of thin air. Understanding their origins is essential to knowing their destinations, making it necessary to trace back to their roots. This book vertically focuses on discussions of Chinese philosophical issues centered around a core concept, while horizontally broadly encompasses the doctrines of different schools, distinguishing their aspects, categories, and levels. [Introduction] includes essays such as On Principles, On the Original Mind, On Original Names, On Original Debate, On Original Speech and Silence, On Original Debate and Silence, On Original Knowledge and Investigation of Things, On the Dao, On the Taiji, and On Fate, each serving as a gateway to the realm of Chinese philosophical doctrines. Moving further from [Introduction], it delves into the core conceptual aspects of Chinese philosophy, forming [On Original Nature]. Since fate is inseparable from nature, and the ideal that humans face toward heaven, earth, and all things, giving rise to the vast value world of Chinese philosophy, must stem from the meaning of nature. The writing style of this book is unique, as Tang Junyi described it as "philosophy spoken through the history of philosophy." Tang Junyi opposed unfounded speculation, arguing that the words of the ancients should not be grasped in isolation, as this would inevitably lead to inexplicable conflicts. Instead, one should analyze their intended meanings, categorize them clearly, and place them in their proper positions. Following this, Tang Junyi systematically presents the various theories of Chinese ancient philosophers on human nature, seeking their original meaning and restoring their universal and eternal value, in order to explore the possibility of integrating them all into a broader philosophical world. This book takes the major concepts of Chinese philosophy as its thread, demonstrating Tang Junyi's mature thinking on philosophical issues.