Research on Wang Anshi’s Mode of Thought from His Viewpoint on the Relationship between Phenomena and Reality
Author: Cheng-wei Yuan
Abstract / Chinese PDF Download
After the Tang-Song transformation (唐宋變革), intellectuals took leading
roles in politics, and they thought about and dealt with problems by referring to
modes of thought. Wang Anshi was an example of a mode of thought in his
writing “Identity of Phenomena and Reality”. This mode of thought originated
from his explanation of the relationship between Li (the Great Rule) and QI
(vital energy). Wang Anshi was used to thinking with a “bottom-up” formula
and dispelling any differences. When talking about issues like “permanence
versus change”, “nature and temperament”, and “justice versus benefit”,
intellectuals held discourses with this mode of thought. The policies of
education, finance and national defense were affected by the opinions of Wang
Anshi.
Keywords：Identity of Phenomena and Reality、the Relationship between Li and Qi、The Relationship between Phenomena and Reality、Wang Anshi、Xi-Ning Reform