Key concepts in Chinese philosophy

Abstract

An introduction to Chinese philosophy and a reference tool for sinologists. Comments by important Chinese thinkers are arranged around 64 key concepts to illustrate their meaning and use through 25 centuries of Chinese philosophy. This guide was prepared by Zhang Dainian, one of China's most famous modern philosophers. Zhang reaches back to include concepts in use before the oracle bones (c.1350-1100 BC), what could be called a philosophical prehistory. But the focus of the work is those concepts that gained currency in classical Chinese philosophy, especially those whose meanings are deeper and more difficult to grasp. Translated and edited by Edmund Ryden in consultation with the author, the book also includes helpful introductory commentary by Ryden for each section.