理学
Neo-Confucianism
Chinese Philosophy ·Neo-Confucianism (理学 Lǐ Xué) is a major revival of Confucian philosophy that emerged during the Song dynasty (960–1279) and dominated East Asian intellectual life for centuries. It synthesized Confucian ethics with Buddhist metaphysics and Daoist cosmology, centering on the concept of li (理) — the principle or pattern that structures all reality.
Within the vast Chinese philosophical tradition, from the Hundred Schools of Thought to the classical texts that shaped East Asian civilization, Neo-Confucianism represents a key concept that continues to inform philosophical thought and practice today.
What Are the Key Facts About Neo-Confucianism?
- Tradition: Chinese Philosophy
- Chinese: 理学
- Category:
- Definition: Neo-Confucianism (理学 Lǐ Xué) is a major revival of Confucian philosophy that emerged during the Song dynasty (960–1279) and dominated East Asian intellectual life for centuries.
What Concepts Are Related to Neo-Confucianism?
Wang Yangming 王阳明Related to
Leading figure of Neo-Confucian School of Mind
Confucianism 儒家 Related to
Revival and transformation of Confucian philosophy
Zhu Xi 朱熹 Related to
Zhu Xi systematized Neo-Confucianism
Wang Yangming 王阳明 Related to
Wang Yangming's School of Mind
Buddhism 佛教 Related to
Incorporated Buddhist metaphysical concepts
Taoism 道家 Related to
Incorporated Daoist cosmological concepts
Great Learning 大学 Related to
The Great Learning was central to Neo-Confucian education
Doctrine of the Mean 中庸 Related to
The Doctrine of the Mean was key to Neo-Confucian metaphysics
Analects 论语 Related to
The Analects remained foundational
Chinese Philosophy 中国哲学 Tradition Of
Major philosophical movement
Common Questions
理学 含义 chinese 理学 meaning neo confucianism chinese-meaning neo confucianism vs confucianism comparison neo confucianism definition definition neo confucianism zhu xi explanation what is neo confucianism overviewFurther Reading and Sources
For authoritative academic perspectives on Neo-Confucianism, consult these external sources: