The Way of Confucianism - An Exploration of Chinese Philosophy

Author: (USA) David Nivison
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-11-01
Features: This book collects the representative works of the American sinologist David Nivison over decades, highlighting his achievements in the study of Chinese philosophy. Among these works, three aspects deserve special attention for Chinese readers: research on moral philosophy, studies on Mencius, and research on Ming-Qing philosophy. Nivison explores the original meaning of "de" (virtue) by studying the earliest known Chinese characters (oracle bone script) and conducts in-depth and meticulous comparisons between Chinese and Western moral philosophies. As an outstanding Western scholar of Mencius, Nivison demonstrates his expertise through his analysis of Mencius's voluntarism, his examination of the Mohist influences on Mencius, and his exploration of the relationship between Mencius and Xunzi. Additionally, his research on Ming-Qing philosophers such as Wang Yangming, Dai Zhen, and Zhang Xuecheng is unique, particularly his tracing of the Xunzi influences on Dai and Zhang, which is truly remarkable.