Qin Eclectic Research

This thesis, based on the acquired studies of pre-Qin philosophers' learning, the present research inadequacy and also the academic divergence, endeavors to offer a new definition for the pre-Qin Eclectics, beginning with the historical textual research on bibliography. It is put forward that pre-Qin Eclectics' aim is the "kingly government" of political pragmatism, their theoretical approach is that all schools should be in a harmonious unity instead of a unified echo to a certain school, and their ideological system is constructed on the theory of Yin-Yang and the Five Elements, as well as the thinking and thinking mode of "heaven, earth and man" making a unity. It is believed that pre-Qin Eclectic School experiences its birth and development in the middle and late Warring States period which is characterized by social and historical unification and academic fusion, and it is one of the major representatives that advocate academic harmonious coexistence between the Warring States period and the Qin and Han Dynasties. Although they themselves are not aware of it, the Eclectics practically make an academic school in pre-Qin ideological history. It is argued in this thesis that Shizi, Book of Master Yin Wen, Guanzi, Heguanzi, Master Lu 's Spring and Autumn Annals and Book of Master Wei Liao are masterpieces by pre-Qin Eclectics. The visions of cosmos and nature, heaven-man relationship, human nature, health preservation and the political thoughts of these six books are studied by combining ideological history and academic history. It is concluded that pre-Qin Eclectic School has five characteristics including compatibility, desire for systematic nature, tendency of becoming a social ideology, brand of Huang-Lao School, and embodiment of certain locality and epoch. In addition, Huainanzi and Luxuriant Gems of the Spring and Autumn Annals are discussed to make out the influences pre-Qin Eclectics have on the Han ideological development and political practice. The discussion makes a reaffirmation that Huainanzi is a representative achievement of the early Han Eclectics, concludes that Luxuriant Gems of the Spring and Autumn Annals is an eclectic work with the brand of Confucianism, and also demonstrates that pre-Qin Eclectic School is a major carrier and transmitter of knowledge and thought at the academic transitional period from the Philosophers' Learning in the Warring States period to the Classics Study in the Han Dynasty. In short, the study of pre-Qin Eclectics is an enlightening and thought-provoking way to understand the historical transformation of various traditional Chinese cultural forms.