The Emergence and Evolution of Yang Zhu as a “Heretic” Symbol

Abstract

Yang Zhu’s thought evolved from “prominent learning” to being marginalized and ultimately considered “heretical.” The evolution of his portrayals from the Warring States period onward has been greatly influenced by factors particular to concrete historical circumstances. This paper examines the variety of Yang Zhu’s portrayals not only during the pre-Qin period but also from the Han till the late Qing dynasty.

Notes

1 Gu Shi, Yang Zhu zhexue [Yang Zhu's philosophy] (Changsha: Yuelu shushe, 2011), 42–67.

2 He Aiguo, “From ‘Beast’ to ‘Philosopher of Rights’: On the Newly Shaped Modern Structure of Yangism,” Lishi jiaoxue wenti 5 (2015): 11–19, also contained in this volume.

3 Ibid.

4 Ibid.

5 Wang Xianqian, Xunzi jijie [Collected explication of the Xunzi] (Beijing: Zhonghua shuju, 1988), 218.

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7 Jiao Xun, Mengzi zheng yi [Correct meaning of the Mencius] (Beijing: Zhonghua shuju, 1987), 915.

8 Ibid., 456.

9 Qian Mu, Xian Qin zhuzi xinian [A chronology of pre-Qin thinkers] (Beijing: Shangwu yinshuguan, 2005), 285.

10 Tang Yue, “Yang Zhu kao” [Examination of Yang Zhu], in Dongfang zazhi 5 (1925): 49–58.

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12 Chen Qiyou, Han Feizi xin jiaozhu [New collation and annotation of the Han Feizi] (Shanghai: Shanghai guji chubanshe, 2000), 1000.

13 Ibid., 1135–1136.

14 He Aiguo, “From ‘Beast’ to ‘Philosopher of Rights,” 13.

15 Qian, Xian Qin zhuzi xinian, 284.

16 Gu, Yang Zhu zhexue, 54.

17 Liu Wendian, Huainan Honglie jijie [Collected explication of the Huainan Honglie] (Beijing: Zhonghua shuju, 1997), 436.

18 Chen Cisheng, Yang Zhu (Shanghai: Shangwu yinshuguan, 1930), 4.

19 Chen, Lüshi chunqiu xin jiaoshi, 1138.

20 Liu, Huainan Honglie jijie, 55–56.

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22 Ibid., 280.

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29 Ibid., 230.

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32 Yang, Liezi jizhu, 218.

33 Ibid., 232.

34 Ibid., 220.

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37 Ibid.

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