"Non-Ultimate" and the Reification of Attributes

Abstract

During the southern Song dynasty, the "Non-Ultimate and Great Ultimate Debate" between Zhu Xi and Lu Jiuyuan included a number of philosophical questions and was important for its philosophical significance. Although this debate took place between two idealist philosophers, it demonstrated the level of philosophical thought of the times and provides philosophical insights and lessons that are worth examining. This article will attempt to explore briefly the nature and evolution of the category "Non-Ultimate" and the reification of the category of attributes.