Historical Background of Wang Yang-ming's Philosophy of Mind: From the Perspective of his Life Story

by Ping Dong, Xiaolu Wang (Translator), Liang Cai (Translator)

Overview

This open access book offers comprehensive information on Wang Yang-ming’s life, helping readers identify and grasp the foundations on which his philosophy was established. Though a great man, Wang had an extremely difficult life, full of many hardships. Based on various official histories, Wang’s own writings, and his disciples’ records, the book explores the legendary life of this ancient philosopher, who not only diligently pursued his objective of living as a sage, but also persistently sought the ideal state of a sage in ideology. The author also shares his own interpretations of the main aspects of Wang’s philosophy using simple and straightforward language.

This book will help readers understand and appreciate Wang Yang-ming’s extraordinary life, his generous mind, deep thoughts and bright personality, inspiring them to pursue enriching lives. It offers a unique and insightful work for undergraduate students and all others interested in Wang’s philosophy and life story.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9789811530388
Publisher:	Springer Nature Singapore
Publication date:	05/27/2020
Edition description:	1st ed. 2020
Pages:	199
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.25(h) x (d)

About the Author

Ping Dong was born on September 4, 1959 in Quzhou, Zhejiang Province. He is a Ph.D., a “Seeking Truth” distinguished professor and doctoral supervisor at Zhejiang University. He is the director of the Department of Philosophy; of the Institute of Chinese Ideology and Culture; and of the Center for Buddhist Culture Studies at Zhejiang University. In 2010, he was featured in the “Hundreds of Lectures” section of CCTV, and was widely praised. In 2014, he was awarded the title of “Master of Chinese Cultural Communication Overseas” by the State Council’s Overseas Chinese Affairs Office, and has given lectures in France, the United States, Australia and other countries.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Experiencing “Gewu Zhizhi”

1.1 An Amazing Child

1.2 An Extraordinary Youth

Chapter 2 Learning “Saint Theory”

2.1 A Maverick

2.2 Risking His Life to Petition the Authorities

2.3 A Narrow Escape

Chapter 3 Proposing His “Philosophy of Mind”

3.1 The Enlightenment in Longchang

3.2 The Oneness of Knowing and Doing

Chapter 4 Practicing His Military Thoughts

4.1 Mission Entrusted in Political Crisis

4.2 Moving to Fight in Jiangxi

4.3 Taking Litou by Strategy

4.4 Suppressing Zhu Chen-hao's Rebellion Alone

4.5 Capturing Zhu Chen-hao Alive

Chapter 5 Pushing His Idea of Governance

5.1 The Fatuous Emperor

5.2 Enduring Humiliation

Chapter 6 Establishing His Philosophical System

6.1 Doctrine of Conscience

6.2 Appointment to Guangdong and Guangxi

6.3 The Last Battles

6.4 Bright as My Heart

References

Glossary

Index