On exegesis methods of Warring States bamboo-slip manuscripts

Abstract

With the continuous publication of Guodian bamboo-slip manuscripts, Shanghai Museum bamboo-slip manuscripts and Tsinghua University bamboo-slip manuscripts, the study of Warring States bamboo-slip manuscripts has become a new research focus in recent years. Exegesis study is one of the most important aspects in bamboo-slip manuscripts research. As can be seen from those exegesis study results, it is found that some of them are widely accepted. However, some results are debateable. Furthermore, in many cases it is difficult to provide clear answers in exegesis study. Therefore, it is necessary to summarize the exegesis methods of these accepted and debateable results. Also, theoretical guidance for future research needs to be provided. This article will discuss applying traditional exegesis methods into exegesis study. Then it will discuss applying the special features of Warring States bamboo-slip manuscripts into exegesis study. Finally, it will discuss some problems which should be emphasized in exegesis study.