Belief,reason And Textual Criticism

This thesis aims to clarify the different understanding of the quality of Studies of Confucian Classics during these years. Based on the documentary collection and theoretical evidence of Studies of Confucian classics, it shows that Studies of Confucian Classics is constituted by three disciplines: the study of belief, the study of reason, and the study of textual criticism. Among the three disciplines, the study of reason and the study of textual criticism constitute two dimensions to demonstrate the study of belief. The study of belief is the final goal of the other two disciplines. Based on the above, it can be deduced the triple qualities of Studies of Confucian Classics– WeiTianZunSheng (the awe of the Heaven and the esteem of Sage), reflecting WeiYanDaYi (sublime words with deep meaning) and confirming the history itself. In the three qualities, WeiTianZunSheng is the most important quality, which is basis of the other double qualities. WeiTianZunSheng offers not only the understanding of the universe for individual and daily fundamental basis in family harmony, but also provides a TianRen system for political rule, and the restraints on the power of monarchy, which makes the Studies of Confucian Classics go into a national political belief as the fundamental theory. The comparison Studies of Confucian Classics and modern academy shows the similarities, differences and tension exist among them; moreover, it will shed light on the confusion of modern academy that may exist and provide some useful enlightenment at the same time, especially when the modern academy encounter the demoralization but can do nothing. After this comparison, we are able to gradually reveal the global factor of Studies of Confucian Classics that may provide some useful enlightenment for the world academic community when there is confusion. Language can only do what it can do within its ability. The Studies of Confucian Classics includes the study of textual criticism of language, as well as the study of WeiYanDaYi and the study of belief which not totally depend on language. So the Studies of Confucian Classics has the possibility of multiple interpretations and cannot be fully explained or fully understood. This is the charm of it.