This book introduces fifteen representative philosophers in ancient China, including Confucius, Laozi, Mencius, Zhuangzi, influential Neo-Taoist scholars, and prominent Neo-Confucian thinkers. It reveals the fundamental problems of each philosopher, clarifies the connotation of the concept as well as the specific reference of the problem, and presents the inherent context and structure of each philosopher's thoughts. Further, the author analyzes a selection of these ancient philosophers' main propositions and demonstrates the argumentation and proof processes behind the basic philosophical insights. As such, this book is a valuable academic resource for scholars and the interested readers wanting to gain an in-depth understanding of ancient Chinese philosophy today.

Presents the latest study of the history of Chinese Philosophy The best-selling monograph in the humanities in China (2019) Is written by one of the most respected philosophy teachers at Peking University

Autorentext

Prof. Yang Lihua has taught Chinese Philosophy at Peking University for more than twenty years. He teaches one core course-Cloze Reading on The Four Books-as well as History of Chinese Philosophy, Neo-Taoism, and other classes at the Department of Philosophy. His recent research has focused on neo-confucianism and comparative philosophy. He also serves as the vice-chair of the university's Graduation School. He was named Best Young Scholar of Higher Education in Beijing (2017) and one of the Top Ten Teachers of Peking University (2010). He has published eight monographs, five translation books, and over fifty articles on influential Chinese journals like Philosophy Studies, Philosophy Trends, History of Chinese Philosophy.  

Inhalt
Preface.- Chapter 1. Human Nature and the Way of Heaven: The Philosophy of Confucius.- Chapter 2. Turn Non-being into Utility: The Philosophy in Laozi.- Chapter 3.Exert the Mind to Know Human Nature: The Philosophy of Mencius.- Chapter 4. The Way to True Knowledge: The Philosophy of Zhuang Zi.- Chapter 5. Being or Non-being: The Philosophy of Wang Bi.- Chapter 6. Principle of Nature: The Philosophy of Ji Kang.- Chapter 7.Limitation and Nature: The Philosophy of Guo Xiang.- Chapter 8. Tai Chi as Being: The Philosophy of Zhou Dunyi.- Chapter 9. Substance and Function: The Philosophy of Shao Yong.- Chapter 10.The Establishment of Our Own Philosophy: The Philosophy of Cheng Hao.- Chapter 11.The One and Its Two Contrary Aspects: The Philosophy of Zhang Zai.- Chapter 12. Ontological Substance: The Philosophy of Cheng Yi.- Chapter 13. The Principle of Heaven and Qi, Motion and Stillness: The Philosophy of Zhu Xi.- Chapter 14. Be Your Own Master: The Philosophy of Lu Jiuyuan.- Chapter 15. The Principle of Heaven Is Never Outside Your Mind: The Philosophy of Wang Yangming.