Xiong Shili's ^ITreatise on Reality and Function^R

Xiong Shili was a Chinese philosopher who believed that reality and function are non-dual, drawing on a diverse range of resources to construct his metaphysical vision. His most important work, Treatise on Reality and Function, was published in 1958 and presents his signature doctrine. This annotated translation by John Makeham makes the text available in English for the first time.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 01 November 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

Xiong Shili, a prominent figure in modern Chinese philosophy, is widely esteemed as a founding member of the modern New Confucian school of thought. Regarded as one of the most influential and innovative Chinese philosophers of the 20th century, Xiong's central pursuit throughout his extensive intellectual journey was to establish the non-duality of Reality (ti) and function (yong). Reality, while being the ontological foundation that grounds the phenomenal, remains inseparable from it. His onto-cosmology amalgamates diverse resources from the Chinese philosophical tradition to construct his unique metaphysical vision, which is articulated within the broader framework of advancing a systematic critique of both Madhyamaka and Yogācāra Buddhist thought. This critical engagement spans nearly four decades, culminating in the publication of his magnum opus, Treatise on Reality and Function (Ti yong lun).

Published in 1958, Xiong regarded this work as his most significant philosophical achievement. However, it has not been previously available in English. This annotated translation by John Makeham presents the text alongside the original foreword attributed to Han Yuankai, as well as Xiong's original preface.

Xiong's philosophical ideas and writings have had a profound impact on Chinese philosophy and beyond. His exploration of the non-duality of Reality and function has challenged traditional understandings of metaphysics and spirituality. His Treatise on Reality and Function, in particular, is considered a seminal work in New Confucian philosophy and has contributed to the development of contemporary Chinese metaphysics.

Through his meticulous scholarship and innovative thinking, Xiong Shili has left an indelible mark on the field of philosophy. His work continues to inspire and provoke scholars and thinkers worldwide, and his legacy as a pioneering figure in Chinese philosophy will be cherished for generations to come.

Dimension: 235 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197688694