May 1, 2024
4 minute read
Neo-Confucianism is a revival of Confucianism that emerged during the Song dynasty (960–1279) in China. It was a major philosophical movement that influenced all aspects of Chinese thought, from ethics and metaphysics to politics and economics.
Origins and Development
Neo-Confucianism was a response to the perceived decline in morality and political order during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period (907–960). Confucian scholars sought to revive the teachings of Confucius and Mencius, and to adapt them to the changing social and political conditions of their time.
The major figures of Neo-Confucianism include Zhou Dunyi, Shao Yong, Zhang Zai, Cheng Yi, Cheng Hao, Zhu Xi, and Lu Jiuyuan. These philosophers developed a new understanding of Confucianism that emphasized the importance of reason, principle, and the cultivation of the mind.
Key Concepts
Neo-Confucianism is based on a number of key concepts, including:
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Find a path to becoming a Neo-Confucianism. Learn more at:
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Reading list
We've selected nine books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Neo-Confucianism.
Provides a comprehensive overview of Chinese philosophy, including a detailed examination of Neo-Confucianism. Written by leading scholars in the field, it includes original source material and essays that explore the historical, social, and intellectual context of Neo-Confucianism.
Provides a clear and concise introduction to Neo-Confucianism, covering its key concepts, thinkers, and schools of thought. Gardner draws on both classical and contemporary sources to offer a comprehensive understanding of this complex tradition.
Examines the relationship between Neo-Confucianism and the Chinese classics, arguing that Neo-Confucianism was a creative reinterpretation of these ancient texts. de Bary's work offers a fresh perspective on the development of Neo-Confucian thought.
This sourcebook provides a comprehensive collection of primary source materials on Neo-Confucianism in Japan. It includes texts by key Japanese Neo-Confucian thinkers, as well as essays that explore the tradition's development and influence in Japan.
Provides a comprehensive overview of Neo-Confucianism, covering its metaphysics, ethics, and politics. Ames and Hall offer a clear and concise account of the key concepts and thinkers of this tradition.
Examines the development of Neo-Confucianism in modern Korea. Kalton provides a detailed account of the different forms that Neo-Confucianism has taken in Korea and its influence on Korean society.
Provides a detailed analysis of Zhu Xi's commentary on the Analects, one of the most important Confucian texts. Van Norden's work offers a valuable resource for understanding the development of Neo-Confucian thought.
Examines the debate on literary culture among Neo-Confucian scholars in early Chosŏn Korea. Lee provides a detailed analysis of the different positions taken by these scholars and their implications for the development of Korean Neo-Confucianism.
Focuses on the work of Lu Xiangshan, one of the most important figures in Neo-Confucianism. Tu provides a detailed analysis of Lu's ontology and its influence on Wang Yangming, another key Neo-Confucian thinker.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/topic/6qn3li/neo
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