Research on the Philosophical Thought of Zhou Dunyi, the Founder of Daoism

Author: Yang Zhucai
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-12-07
Features: This book presents a systematic study of the philosophical thought of Zhou Dunyi (1017-1037), a scholar of the Northern Song Dynasty. The book is divided into two parts, employing research methods of textual criticism and interpretation of meaning. The first part conducts an in-depth and meticulous examination of the origins of Zhou Dunyi's works, particularly the Taiji Tu (Great Ultimate Diagram), clarifying that while Zhou Dunyi's ideas were influenced by Buddhism and Taoism, the Taiji Tu and its commentary Taiji Tu Shuo were likely his own original works. The Taiji Tu Shuo and Tongshu (Common Books) each possess relatively independent philosophical meanings while collectively forming a closely interconnected system of thought. The second part focuses on Zhou Dunyi's philosophy. On one hand, it explores the main themes and characteristics of Zhou Dunyi's philosophy by comparing his thought with that of Zhang Zai and the brothers Cheng Yi in the early to mid-Northern Song Dynasty, particularly in the context of their studies. On the other hand, it examines the influence of Zhou Dunyi's philosophical arguments on Zhang Zai and Cheng Yi, as well as on Zhu Xi, by analyzing several key issues in Zhou Dunyi's philosophy, such as the unity of heaven and man, the joy of Confucius and Yan Hui, the importance of tranquility and unity, and other controversial topics in Song and Ming Neo-Confucianism. The book evaluates Zhou Dunyi's historical position as the founder of Daoism in traditional thought and as the pioneer of Neo-Confucianism in modern times from the broader perspective of the Song-Ming Neo-Confucian intellectual movement.