英文摘要
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Wang Bi's shengren youqingshuo (discourse on 'sainthood with affection') is a significant topic of Chinese metaphysics. Since it involves qing (affection), a core issue that Wei-Jin's intellectualists were generally aware of, discussions about it shift between ”metaphysical theoretical underpinning” and ”cultural intellectualism”. As such, it has given rise to much controversy and room for further exploration.
By examining the two approaches to Wang Bi's discourse on sainthood with affection-”emphasis on metaphysical theorizing” and ”focus on intellectuals' attitude toward affection”, this paper investigates their respective strengths and weaknesses. The paper will juxtapose the two approaches-one highlighting ”not having” (gueiwu) and the other sticking to ”having” (zhiyiou) and will consider the lines between sainthood and secularism, between affection and wisdom. It will initiate a dialogue between metaphysics and intellectual climate on one hand, and will reveal interpretive flexibility and restraint in Wang's treatment on the other hand. It is hoped that the meaning and value of Wang's discourse can be properly appreciated and evaluated.
This study will bring into a dialogic cross-fertilization metaphysical and intellectual discourses, ”not having” and ”having”, abstract thinking and concrete phenomena, theoretical origins and social situations. Overall, it aims to provide an alternative framework in which to understand Wang Bi's discourse on sainthood with affection.
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