On Rudolf G.Wagner’s Study Of The Interpretation Tradition Of Chinese Classics With Wang Bi As The Center

Rudolf G.Wagner(1941-2019)was a famous German sinologist,known for his analysis of Lao Zi Zhu(Wang Bi’s Commentary on the Lao Zi)and studies on the tradition of interpreting Chinese classics.The dissertation aims to present Wagner’s general understanding of classical interpretation in ancient China,to analyze his research methodology on Wang Bi’s Commentary,supported by comparison with another sinologist,in the hope that it can serve as a base for more extensive studies relating to the tradition of Chinese classics interpretation.In general,Wagner points out several features and notions peculiar to the Chinese tradition of classics interpretation,including its rich tradition and influence,canonization of classic’s author,coherence of the classics,broad implications of interlocking parallel style,and the ability of language to express the idea of Dao.Regarding Wang Bi’s interpretative methods,Wagner notes that the commentary is essentially philosophical in its questions.He then carefully examines the implied reader and countertext in Wang’s commentary.Through an in-depth analysis,Wagner concludes that Wang’s main strategy is to “use the Lao Zi to explain the Lao Zi”,and his primary forcus is to eliminate ambiguity.By taking a close look at Wagner’s research methodology,the dissertation finds that he always attempts to understand the writer from the writer’s perspective.In his holistic yet culture-specific study,Wagner explores text analysis,hermeneutics,and philosophical theories.Wagner’s hermeneutical approaches,following western tradition,are based on the theories proposed by Friedrich Schleiermacher,Leo Strauss and Hans-Georg Gadamer.By comparing Wagner’s study with that of Stephen Owen,a famous sinologist,the dissertation observes notable differences in research purpose,methods and basic theory,which further highlights the research characteristics and research focus of Wagner’s study.It also suggests the diversity in overseas sinologists’ study on the history of Chinese classics interpretation.Wagner’s research findings and methods have been a great inspiration to the Chinese academia regarding the studies of classics interpretation.It indicates the modern value of this research question.At the same time,it shows the political care in the interpretation tradition of Chinese classics.Wagner’s research is of great value to the current literature as it offers new research perspectives and points of departure for more extensive thinking and analysis on the studies of the tradition of Chinese classics interpretation.