Theoretical Knowledge in the Mohist Canon

This book offers a new translation, interpretation, and analysis of selected passages from the Mohist Canon, a Chinese text from 300 BCE, discussing its role in the world history of science and its independence from parallel developments in ancient Greece. It is aimed at historians of science, knowledge, and philosophy, and readers interested in these topics from an intercultural perspective, particularly with respect to China.

Format: Hardback
Length: 207 pages
Publication date: 02 January 2023
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This open-access book presents a fresh translation, interpretation, and analysis of selected passages from the so-called Mohist Canon, a Chinese text dating back to approximately 300 BCE, and delves into its significance in the history of science. It argues that the text represents an early emergence of theoretical, systematic knowledge that stands apart from parallel developments in ancient Greece. The book is designed for historians of science, knowledge, and philosophy, as well as readers with a keen interest in these subjects from an intercultural perspective, particularly with regard to China.

The Mohist Canon, a Chinese text dating back to approximately 300 BCE, is a rich source of philosophical and scientific ideas. This book aims to provide a new translation, interpretation, and analysis of selected passages from this canonical text, with a focus on understanding their role in the world history of science.

The Mohist Canon is a collection of texts written by the Mohist school, a philosophical movement that flourished in China during the Warring States period. The school was known for its emphasis on the pursuit of knowledge and the development of a systematic philosophy. The Canon contains a wide range of texts, including philosophical treatises, political essays, and scientific works.

One of the key themes of the Mohist Canon is the importance of empirical observation and the use of reason to understand the natural world. The Mohists believed that the natural world was governed by laws that could be discovered through careful observation and analysis. They developed a system of epistemology that emphasized the importance of empirical evidence and the use of logical reasoning to arrive at accurate conclusions.

The Mohist Canon also contains a number of scientific works that are of interest to historians of science. These works include discussions of physics, astronomy, mathematics, and medicine. The Mohists were particularly interested in the study of the natural world and the development of a scientific method that could be used to understand it.

One of the most significant contributions of the Mohist Canon to the history of science is its emphasis on the importance of theoretical knowledge. The Mohists believed that theoretical knowledge was essential for the development of scientific progress and that it could be obtained through the use of reason and empirical observation. They developed a system of metaphysics that emphasized the unity of the natural world and the importance of harmony and balance.

The Mohist Canon also played a significant role in the development of Chinese philosophy and culture. The text was widely studied and influential in Chinese society for centuries, and it helped to shape the philosophical and cultural traditions of China. The Mohist school was particularly influential in the development of Confucianism, a philosophical system that emphasizes the importance of social order, moral virtue, and the cultivation of personal character.

In conclusion, this book presents a new translation, interpretation, and analysis of selected passages from the Mohist Canon, a Chinese text dating back to approximately 300 BCE. The book discusses the role of the text in the world history of science, arguing that it represents an early emergence of theoretical, systematic knowledge that is independent from parallel developments in ancient Greece. The book is designed for historians of science, knowledge, and philosophy, as well as readers with a keen interest in these subjects from an intercultural perspective, particularly with regard to China.

Weight: 500g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031087967
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022