Works of Fu Sinian · The Dialectics of Ancient Teachings on Life and Death

Author: Fu Si-nien
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-09-01
Features: This book is an outstanding work by Professor Fu Si-nien on the history of ancient Chinese thought. It meticulously counts and analyzes the characters "" (human nature) and "" (fate) from Shang and Zhou oracle bone inscriptions and bronze inscriptions to the canonical texts of the pre-Qin philosophers. By examining their origins and evolution, it discusses the thought of the pre-Qin philosophers and ultimately concludes that Song and Ming Neo-Confucianism is a continuation and summary of pre-Qin thought. The book employs methods from etymology, textual criticism, and linguistics to construct a macro-historical narrative from micro-level studies of character forms and meanings, vividly reflecting Fu's academic philosophy that "philosophy is a byproduct of linguistics" and his rigorous scholarly style. This book is one of Fu Si-nien's important works in the field of history.
Starting from a linguistic perspective, the book comprehensively counts the characters "" and "" from oracle bone inscriptions, bronze vessels, and pre-Qin canonical texts. Using phonological, etymological, and textual-critical methods, it seeks the meaning of characters through their forms. In the process of exploring the evolution of ancient characters, the author further investigates the underlying historical and cultural significance behind their changes. By interpreting the meanings of "" and "," the book organizes the thoughts of Confucius, Mencius, Xunzi, and Mozi. Ultimately, it concludes that Song and Ming Neo-Confucianism represents the culmination of pre-Qin Confucian thought.