Wang Fuzhi's Reconstruction of Confucianism: Crisis and Reflection

Wang Fuzhi (1619-1692) was a Ming loyalist who sought to construct a Confucian system based on the Six Classics. He combined Zhu Xis philosophy of principle, Wang Yangmings philosophy of mind, and Zhang Zais philosophy of qi to create a syncretic blend of Neo-Confucianism. Mingran Tan's book provides a comprehensive review of Wang Fuzhi's understanding of historical events and his interpretation of the Confucian classics, showing how he improved social and cosmological harmony through compliance with Confucian rituals.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 265 pages
Publication date: 18 September 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

Wang Fuzhi, a Ming loyalist, faced the daunting task of addressing both cultural and political crises of his era. In his remarkable work, Mingran Tan delves into Wang Fuzhi's profound understanding of historical events and his interpretation of the Confucian classics. Tan elucidates the essence of Wang Fuzhi's vision, driven by his motto, "The Six Classics require me to create something new." He embarked on a quest to establish a foundation for Confucian values, such as filial piety, humanity, and ritual propriety, from political, moral, and cosmological perspectives. Wang Fuzhi believed that these values could cultivate a noble personality, enhance political governance, and foster social and cosmological harmony.

Inspired by this vision, Wang Fuzhi embarked on a pioneering endeavor to synthesize the three branches of Neo-Confucianism: Zhu Xi's philosophy of principle, Wang Yangming's philosophy of mind, and Zhang Zai's philosophy of qi (material force). This synthesis aimed to create a harmonious blend of ideas that would resonate with his philosophical pursuits.

The most comprehensive study on Wang Fuzhi in English, this work seeks to rectify misconceptions about his philosophy and provide readers with a holistic understanding of Wang Fuzhi. Building upon the research of previous scholars, Tan offers a comprehensive exploration of how Wang Fuzhi promotes social and cosmological harmony through the strict adherence to Confucian rituals.

Through his profound insights and innovative approach, Wang Fuzhi left an indelible mark on Chinese philosophy, shaping the trajectory of intellectual thought for generations to come. Mingran Tan's work serves as a valuable contribution to our understanding of this influential figure, shedding light on his enduring legacy and the profound impact he had on the world of ideas.

Weight: 369g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030802653
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021