On Ji Yun View Of Western Learning

During the period of the late Ming Dynasty and early Qing Dynasty, a lot of Western missionaries came to China, bringing with them modern Western civilization, including Christian religion and science and technology. Meanwhile, the Chinese scholar-officials took different attitudes in response to the Western civilization. This study takes Ji Yun as an example to explore his view towards Western knowledge, and to examine the mentality of the Chinese in the cultural exchange. And it is also of significance in understanding the cross-cultural communication between the East and the West.With his unique perspective, Ji Yun made a relatively objective evaluation of the Western civilization brought into China in the 18^th century. He actively advocated the introduction of advanced Western science and technology, and encouraged the Chinese to use them for servicing Qing Dynasty. Knowing clearly the real purpose of the missionaries, he opposed the spread of the Catholic religion. Ji Yun's view towards Western knowledge was consistent with policy of Qing, "selecting the western technology and banning the Catholic religion". However, Ji Yun's knowledge of the west had limitations. And some of his evaluations on western books were unfair, or even wrong. It reflected that the superior mentality of Chinese dynasty was still dominant in the 18^th century. It also brought about the limitations on the part of Chinese scholar-officials in their contact and communication with the Western culture.