Late Classical Chinese Thought

In his book "The End of Classical Chinese Philosophy," Chris Fraser provides a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the third century BC, a pivotal period in classical Chinese philosophy. He offers novel perspectives on various movements, including Confucianism, Daoism, Mohism, Legalism, and others, and delves into neglected texts such as the Guanzi, Lu s Annals, and the Zhuangzi. The book is organized topically, covering metaphysics, metaethics, political philosophy, ethics, moral psychology, epistemology, and philosophy of language and logic. It focuses on the Warring States era, considered the most vibrant and diverse period of philosophical discourse in Chinese history, and discusses the shared concerns, rival doctrines, and criticisms of third-century BC sources. Fraser aims to introduce classical Chinese thought to a broad audience while providing detailed interpretations of individual texts for students and specialists.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 05 May 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Chris Fraser Presents a Comprehensive Study of Classical Chinese Philosophy

In his comprehensive work, "The Final Century of Classical Chinese Philosophy," Chris Fraser delves into the rich and diverse period of classical Chinese philosophy, spanning from the third century BC to the end of the Warring States era. Through his meticulous research and insightful perspectives, Fraser offers novel insights into Confucianism, Daoism, Mohism, Legalism, and other movements in early Chinese thought. He also restores the significance of neglected texts such as the Guanzi, Lu s Annals, and the Zhuangzi's outer chapters, placing them back in their rightful place in the history of philosophy.

Fraser organizes the history of Chinese thought thematically, dividing it into separate chapters covering metaphysics and metaethics, political philosophy, ethics, moral psychology, epistemology, and philosophy of language and logic. His focus is particularly on the last century of the Warring States era, which is widely regarded as the most vibrant and diverse period of philosophical discourse in Chinese history. Within this period, Fraser examines the shared concerns, rival doctrines, and competing criticisms presented in third-century BC sources.

By elucidating the distinctive issues, conceptual frameworks, and background assumptions of classical Chinese thought, Fraser aims to introduce the philosophical discourse of early China to a broad audience, including those with no prior familiarity with the material. At the same time, his thematic treatment and incisive interpretations of individual texts will be of interest to students and specialists in the field.

Through his comprehensive study, Chris Fraser has made a significant contribution to our understanding of classical Chinese philosophy and its enduring impact on Chinese culture and society. His work provides valuable insights into the development of early Chinese thought and its relevance to contemporary philosophical discourse.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198851066