A Book Review of Jiao Hong and Ming-Qing Confucianism Studies

Abstract

This is a review article about the book Jiao Hong and Ming-Qing Confucianism Studies, published by Dai Yumin in 2023. This article first outlines the basic content and core viewpoints of the six chapters in this book, which focus on revealing Jiao Hong's philosophical system that combines intuition and knowledge, as well as his role in the transformation of Confucianism in the Ming and Qing dynasties. Then, the article points out the value of this book in breaking the polarized views of Edward T. Ch'ien and Yu Ying-shih on Jiao Hong's philosophy and his role in the transformation of Ming-Qing Confucianism. It suggests that Jiao Hong's philosophy represents an intellectualized form of mind-teaching, and that he was central to the transformation of Ming-Qing Confucianism. However, the section on the textual criticism of Jiao Hong and the Qing Dynasty could be further strengthened. Finally, this article concludes that this is an innovative work in the field of Ming-Qing Confucianism studies.