Biography of Chen Que

Author: Wang Ruichang
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2002-05-01
Features: Chen Que (1604-1677) was one of the few important thinkers during the transition period between the Ming and Qing dynasties. Most of his works were never published in the past, so his thought remained obscure and unrecognized for a long time. In 1979, the Qianchuji (Collected Works of Qianchu) was printed and published. From then on, his thought began to gain recognition in the world. Today, scholars discussing the intellectual landscape during the Ming-Qing transition period rarely fail to mention Qianchu. A Critical Biography of Chen Que follows the principle of "understanding a person by their times and assessing their thoughts by their era," providing a detailed examination and account of Qianchu's family background and life. From the perspective of "distinguishing between different schools of thought," the book offers a comprehensive discussion and analysis of Qianchu's ideas. The book uncovers many new sources, clarifies and verifies certain facts, and pays close attention to revealing Qianchu's life experiences during his difficult journey, showcasing his unique spiritual realm and personal demeanor as a Confucian scholar. Regarding Qianchu's thought, the book strives to make objective and realistic assessments based on a genuine understanding, cautiously proposing some new perspectives. "The 'biased hegemonic form of Xinxue' (Heart-Mind School)" is the fundamental conclusion drawn from the book's study of Qianchu's thought. Chen Que (1604-1677) was one of the few important thinkers during the transition period between the Ming and Qing dynasties. Most of his works were never published in the past, so his thought remained obscure and unrecognized for a long time. In 1979, the Qianchuji (Collected Works of Qianchu) was printed and published. From then on, his thought began to gain recognition in the world. Today, scholars discussing the intellectual landscape during the Ming-Qing transition period rarely fail to mention Qianchu. A Critical Biography of Chen Que follows the principle of "understanding a person by their times and assessing their thoughts by their era," providing a detailed examination and account of Qianchu's family background and life. From the perspective of "distinguishing between different schools of thought," the book offers a comprehensive discussion and analysis of Qianchu's ideas. The book uncovers many new sources, clarifies and verifies certain facts, and pays close attention to revealing Qianchu's life experiences during his difficult journey, showcasing his unique spiritual realm and personal demeanor as a Confucian scholar. Regarding Qianchu's thought, the book strives to make objective and realistic assessments based on a genuine understanding, cautiously proposing some new perspectives. "The 'biased hegemonic form of Xinxue' (Heart-Mind School)" is the fundamental conclusion drawn from the book's study of Qianchu's thought.