Abstract
This thesis attempts to analyse and evaluate several interpretations of the Confucian Analects under the light of Gadamerian hermeneutics. In chapter 1, I explicate Gadamerian hermeneutics and analyse Gadamer’s hermeneutical view. In chapter 2, I introduce a challenge to Gadamer’s theory regarding the problem of objectivity, give Gadamer a limited defence, and then reconstruct Gadamerian hermeneutics in order to answer the challenge. Chapter 3 deals with some further concerns about the application of Gadamerian hermeneutics in terms of evaluating interpretations. Chapter 4 and 5 are spent on analysing two groups of interpretations of the Confucian Analects as well as the interpreters’ hermeneutical views. The first group consists of Zhu Xi, a scholar in the Song dynasty. The second group consists of three Qing scholars – Mao Qiling, Gu Yanwu, Liu Baonan – and three English-speaking translators – Roger Ames, Edward Slingerland, and Robert Eno. Conclusive evaluations of the two groups of interpretations are made in chapter 6.
Advisor
Thomson, Garrett
Second Advisor
Bonk, James
Department
East Asian Studies; Philosophy
Recommended Citation
Xu, Yifeng, "Applying Gadamer: An Evaluation of Interpretations of the Confucian Analects by Different Schools Under the Light of Gadamerian Hermeneutics" (2019). Senior Independent Study Theses. Paper 8539.
https://openworks.wooster.edu/independentstudy/8539
Disciplines
Asian History | Chinese Studies | Comparative Philosophy | Continental Philosophy | Epistemology
Keywords
Hermeneutics, Confucianism
Publication Date
2019
Degree Granted
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type
Senior Independent Study Thesis Exemplar
Included in
Asian History Commons, Chinese Studies Commons, Comparative Philosophy Commons, Continental Philosophy Commons, Epistemology Commons
© Copyright 2019 Yifeng Xu