Historical Background of Wang Yang-ming s Philosophy of Mind

This open access book offers comprehensive information on Wang Yang-ming's life, helping readers identify and grasp the foundations on which his philosophy was established. Though a great man, Wang had an extremely difficult life, full of many hardships. Based on various official histories, Wang's own writings, and his disciples' records, the book explores the legendary life of this ancient philosopher, who not only diligently pursued his objective of living as a sage, but also persistently sought the ideal state of a sage in ideology. The author also shares his own interpretations of the main aspects of Wang's philosophy using simple and straightforward language.
This book will help readers understand and appreciate Wang Yang-ming's extraordinary life, his generous mind, deep thoughts and bright personality, inspiring them to pursue enriching lives. It offers a unique and insightful work for undergraduate students and all others interested in Wang's philosophy and life story.

Open Access so no access barriers to the electronic version

Explores the life of Wang Yang-ming, the most important Chinese philosopher in the 15th and 16th centuries

Written by a leading expert on Chinese philosophy and philosophy of mind

Highlights a Chinese visionary whose philosophic exposition of the universe came about a century previous to Hobbes, Descartes and Spinoza

Autorentext

Ping Dong was born on September 4, 1959 in Quzhou, Zhejiang Province. He is a Ph.D., a Seeking Truth distinguished professor and doctoral supervisor at Zhejiang University. He is the director of the Department of Philosophy; of the Institute of Chinese Ideology and Culture; and of the Center for Buddhist Culture Studies at Zhejiang University. In 2010, he was featured in the Hundreds of Lectures section of CCTV, and was widely praised. In 2014, he was awarded the title of Master of Chinese Cultural Communication Overseas by the State Council s Overseas Chinese Affairs Office, and has given lectures in France, the United States, Australia and other countries.

Inhalt
Chapter 1 Experiencing Gewu Zhizhi
1.1 An Amazing Child
1.2 An Extraordinary Youth
Chapter 2 Learning Saint Theory
2.1 A Maverick
2.2 Risking His Life to Petition the Authorities
2.3 A Narrow Escape
Chapter 3 Proposing His Philosophy of Mind
3.1 The Enlightenment in Longchang
3.2 The Oneness of Knowing and Doing
Chapter 4 Practicing His Military Thoughts
4.1 Mission Entrusted in Political Crisis
4.2 Moving to Fight in Jiangxi
4.3 Taking Litou by Strategy
4.4 Suppressing Zhu Chen-hao's Rebellion Alone
4.5 Capturing Zhu Chen-hao Alive
Chapter 5 Pushing His Idea of Governance
5.1 The Fatuous Emperor
5.2 Enduring Humiliation
Chapter 6 Establishing His Philosophical System
6.1 Doctrine of Conscience
6.2 Appointment to Guangdong and Guangxi
6.3 The Last Battles
6.4 Bright as My Heart
References

Glossary
Index