Dilemma and Transformation: An Interpretation of a Philosophical Text by Huang Zongxi

Author: Cheng Zhihua
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-05-01
Features: The author summarizes Huang Zongxi's academic transformation into five aspects: In the theory of generation, it achieved the transformation from "fragmented to integrated"; in the theory of ontology, it realized the transformation from "materialistic metaphysics back to moral metaphysics"; in the theory of human nature, it transformed from "following one's nature and indulging in emotions to achieving pure heavenly principle without desires"; in the theory of cultivation, it transformed from "extending innate knowledge to the point where cultivation reaches is its ontology"; in the theory of the sage-king, it transformed from "internal sage to the coexistence of internal sage and external king." Based on these five aspects, the author positions Huang Zongxi as a Chinese philosopher "during the process of transformation in Confucianism." The views proposed in this book not only explore what others have not thought and discover what predecessors have not, but are also "reasonably argued and well-supported." Although the book focuses on Huang Zongxi's philosophy, it covers a wide range, and the author strives to examine Huang Zongxi's philosophy within the broader context of the development of Confucian philosophy. In this sense, the book's intention belongs to "making a big deal out of a small issue." "Making a big deal out of a small issue" has both advantages and disadvantages. Its advantage is that it delves deep, allowing one to see the big picture in the small; its disadvantage is that it may not fully explore or clarify some of the issues involved.