Social Sciences in China (Chinese Edition)

No.7, 2018

 

From Semantic Exegesis to Free Interpretation: On the Philosophical Method of the Qing Dynasty’s Han Learning as Traced through Dai Zhen, Zhang Taiyan and Others

(Abstract)

 

Chen Shaoming

 

The contest between Han learning (hanxue) and Song learning (songxue) actually ended in the Qing Dynasty. The former was strong on textual research, while the latter’s expertise lay in examination of implications, so each had its strong points. As two research strategies for pursuing the meaning of the classics, both sought to reveal the meaning contained in the classical texts. Han learning’s emphasis on exegesis not only helps to trace the sources of intellectual history, but also provides an approach to the exploration of meaning that differs from that of the Song learning. According to Zhang Taiyan’s explanation of the origin of language, semantic exegesis functions to illuminate obscurity and reveal the Dao, and is thus a basic skill for the conduct of research. Explorations of the history of philosophy that draw on semantic exegesis not only serve to deconstruct metaphysics, but also contribute to in-depth philosophical research, thus continuously enriching and integrating conceptual schema. In the history of Chinese philosophy, Han learning drew on the meaning of words to clarify the sense, whereas Song learning used semantics to develop the sense. Thus Han learning unearthed the sources of thought, while Song learning constructed an intellectual landscape. Summing up the philosophical heritage of Qing dynasty Han learning definitely does not mean returning to traditional semantic exegesis, nor does it call for taking sides in the dispute between Han and Song learning; instead, it is a necessary link enabling us to look back at the tradition as we look forward to the developmental prospects of Chinese philosophy.