A Study On Wang Bi’s Theory Of "De"

This paper mainly studies on the thought of “De” in Wang Bi’s philosophy.In contrast to grasping Xuanxue in Weijin Dynasty and Wang Bi’s philosophy from the perspective of“Dao”,the discussion of “De” shows the characteristics of Wang Bi’s knowledge of Confucianism and Taoism,and it is also a brand-new development of the concept of “De” in the pre-Qin period in the Weijin Dynasties.Wang Bi expresses his philosophical thoughts by commenting on Laozi and The Book of Changes(Zhouyi)and his interpretations of The Analects,and his thoughts on "De" were contained in the three books which are The Commentary on Laozi,The Commentary on Zhouyi,and The Interpretation of Analects.This paper believes that Wang Bi’s "De" thought is a creative synthesis of Confucianism and Taoism.In particular,the interpretation of the text of Zhouyi shows the model of Taoist thought to interpret Yi-study,and is a super-school commentary on Zhouyi.Specifically,on the basis of ideological theory,Wang Bi transformed the Taoist theory of cosmogony into ontology,seeking a solid objective basis for "De".In terms of ideological connotation,Wang Bi explained the meaning of "De" from two aspects: the number and images(a few parts)and the meaning(the majority).Furthermore,although Wang Bi,like Lao Tzu,classifies Confucian benevolence,righteousness,and propriety as "Xia De"(inferior virtue),the difference is that Lao Tzu completely denies and criticizes "Xia De",while Wang Bi partially denies and criticizes them as hypocritical.Wang Bi holds a positive attitude towards the true and unmistakable benevolence,righteousness,and propriety.In Wang Bi’s view,the real benevolence,righteousness,propriety of Confucianism and Taoism’s "Shang De"(superior virtue)belong to the ideological connotation of "De".He emphasized that "De" should be inherent in human nature,and it is a concrete manifestation of the thesis of nature and famous religion in Xuanxue in Weijin Dynasty.Finally,in terms of moral cultivation,Wang Bi paid attention to following the nature of nature and "Wu Wei".He also emphasized that when "Wu Wei" could not be done,one could "You Wei" and act according to the time.It takes Taoism’s "natural inaction" as the general principle,runs through the cultivation of Confucianism’s true and innocent "benevolence,righteousness and propriety",and tries to get rid of the social hypocrisy of benevolence,righteousness and propriety.To sum up,Wang Bi’s "De" thought is a combination of Confucianism and Taoism.It provides the basis for the actual development of Taoist "De" thought,implements the unreachable "De" into the real social politics,and advocates the cultivation of the real "De" of nature,so as to reconcile the conflict and tension between the Name theory(mingjiao)and Nature.