The Mingjia and Related Texts - Essentials in the Understanding of the Development of Pre-Qin Philosophy

The Mingjia (School of Names) was a group of philosophers who focused on linguistic issues, particularly the correct use of names. They were first recorded in the Shiji and comprised seven men living between the sixth and third centuries BC. Only four of their writings have extant copies, and three of them have issues of authenticity. Despite this, the group is important for understanding the development of pre-Qin philosophy, as their concepts and ideas are prominent in the writings of other schools. This work contains four sections: the extant writings of the four men, significant references to them in other works, other significant writing on the topics, and four appendices on specific issues concerning the school.

Format: Hardback
Length: 1180 pages
Publication date: 08 December 2021
Publisher: The Chinese University Press

The Mingjia (School of Names) is a conceptual collective of philosophers initially documented as such in the Shiji. Their distinguishing hallmark was a profound fascination with linguistic matters, particularly emphasizing the appropriate application of names. The genesis of this concern is attributed to Lunyu XIII.3. As per the records in the Han Shu, the group consisted of seven individuals who resided during the sixth and third centuries BC. Among these, only four possess extant writings that can be directly attributed to them (Deng Xi, Yin Wen, Hui Shi, and Gongsun Long). However, it is noteworthy that in three of these writings, questions of authenticity arise. Nevertheless, the Mingjia holds significant importance in comprehending the evolution of pre-Qin philosophy, as both the individuals themselves and the concepts they explored feature prominently in the writings of other schools.

The present work is structured into four distinct sections:

(i) Extant Writings of the Four Men: This section presents a comprehensive overview of the surviving writings attributed to the four Mingjia scholars. It includes a detailed analysis of their philosophical ideas, arguments, and contributions to the field.

(ii) Significant References to the Mingjia in Other Works up to the Fourth Century AD: This section explores the broader context in which the Mingjia operated. It identifies and discusses all significant references to the school in other works, including those of subsequent philosophical schools and scholars. This section provides valuable insights into the influence and reputation of the Mingjia within the philosophical community.

(iii) Other Significant Writing on the Topics up to that Time: This section encompasses a wide range of writings on the topics related to the Mingjia and pre-Qin philosophy. It includes works by other scholars, philosophers, and historians who have written on the same subjects. These writings offer additional perspectives, interpretations, and insights into the development of pre-Qin philosophy.

(iv) Four Appendices on Specific Issues Concerning the School: These appendices delve into specific issues and topics related to the Mingjia. They provide detailed explanations, analyses, and discussions of key concepts, arguments, and debates within the school. These appendices offer a deeper understanding of the nuances and complexities of the Mingjia's philosophical ideas.

In conclusion, the Mingjia (School of Names) represents a pivotal period in the development of pre-Qin philosophy. Through their exploration of linguistic issues and their contributions to philosophical discourse, the Mingjia scholars left a lasting impact on the philosophical landscape. This work aims to provide a comprehensive and accessible account of their ideas, their influences, and their place in the history of Chinese philosophy.

Weight: 666g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789629967772