From Wei-Jin Xuanxue to Early Tang Chongxuanxue

Author: Qiang Yu
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-05-01
Features: It is necessary to review the historical process from Wei-Jin Xuanxue to Chongxuanxue. Here, the key issues are briefly pointed out:
1. Under what conditions did Taoism produce the thought system of Chongxuanxue?
2. What is the basis for regarding Chongxuanxue as the third phase of Lao-Zhuangxue?
3. What is the relationship between Lao-Zhuangxue, Xuanxue, and Chongxuanxue?
4. What research methods and basic stance does the author employ?
This book is an analysis of the historical records of spiritual growth in a specific classical period, focusing on the logical evolution process and major logical constructions of Chongxuanxue. However, it largely neglects the social, political, and economic contexts. The strengths of this research method and results lie in demonstrating the content and merits/shortcomings of the main philosophical concepts. The weakness is that it fails to clearly illustrate the relationship between the social environment and the evolution of thought.
Nevertheless, the author's primary intention is not to spend time and effort on the social and historical background but to examine the achievements and significance of Chongxuanxue from a purely philosophical perspective. Therefore, what is presented to the readers is a record of an objective exploration of the textual content.