This volume contains nine chapters of translation, by a range of leading scholars, focusing on core themes in the philosophy of Zhu Xi (1130-1200), one of the most influential Chinese thinkers of the later Confucian tradition. It includes an Introduction to Zhu's life and thought, a chronology of important events in his life, and a list of key terms of art. Zhu Xi's philosophy offers the most systematic and comprehensive expression of the Confucian tradition; he sought to explain and show the connections between the classics, relate them to a range of contemporary philosophical issues concerning the metaphysical underpinnings of the tradition, and defend Confucianism against competing traditions such as Daoism and Buddhism. He elevated the Four Books-i.e. the Analects, Mengzi, Great Learning, and Doctrine of the Mean-to a new and preeminent position within the Confucian canon and his edition and interpretation of these four texts was adopted as the basis for the Imperial Examination System, which served as the pathway to officialdom and success in traditional Chinese society. Zhu Xi's interpretation remained the orthodox tradition until the collapse of the Qing dynasty (1644-1911) and exerted a profound and enduring influence on how Confucianism was understood in Korea, Japan, and Vietnam.

About the Author
Philip J. Ivanhoe is Distinguished Chair Professor in the College of Confucian Studies and Eastern Philosophy at Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Korea where he is Director of the Sungkyun Institute for Confucian Studies and East Asian Philosophy and Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Confucian Philosophy and Culture. He specializes in East Asian philosophy and religion and their potential for contemporary ethics.

Reviews
This volume offers high-quality, sophisticated translations of important passages from Zhuzi Quanshu (Complete Works of Zhu Xi) and other sources that represent Zhu's philosophical, ethical, political, and social reflections. Thanks to these translations, both students and academic researchers can now access a wealth of information from Zhu Xi's broad spectrum of core concerns. * Philip J. Ivanhoe, Journal of Chinese Philosophy *
The annotated translations crafted by some of the best of their art are of sophisticated quality ... a truly stimulating collection. * Lukas Pokorny, Religious Studies Review *



Book Information
ISBN 9780190861261
Author Philip J. Ivanhoe
Format Paperback
Page Count 240
Imprint Oxford University Press Inc
Publisher Oxford University Press Inc
Weight(grams) 340g
Dimensions(mm) 155mm * 231mm * 18mm