孟子字義疏證 by Zhen Dai

Description

孟子字義疏證 by Zhen Dai is a philosophical commentary written in the late 18th century. This work delves into the interpretations and meanings of the terms used in Mencius, a foundational text of Confucianism, while exploring the underlying principles of morality and governance. The central theme revolves around understanding the nature of human emotions, rationality, and their alignment with the moral order advocated by Confucian teachings. The opening of the text introduces Zhen Dai’s motivations and the context surrounding his scholarly pursuit. He reflects on the wisdom of past philosophers and teachers, particularly Confucius and Mencius, expressing a sense of urgency in clarifying the misinterpretations that have taken root in society. The discussion highlights the significance of moral reasoning shaped by personal experiences and the importance of aligning one’s emotions with ethical principles to avoid societal discord. This sets the stage for a deeper examination of the relationship between personal sentiments, societal norms, and the philosophical ideas underpinning Mencius’s teachings. (This is an automatically generated summary.)