東亞儒學：孟子二 (East Asian Confucianisms: Mencius(2))

National Taiwan University via Coursera

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/mencius2

Introduction

**Course Review: East Asian Confucianisms: Mencius (2)** **Overview:** "East Asian Confucianisms: Mencius (2)" on Coursera is an enlightening course that delves deep into the ancient Chinese text, "Mencius." The course sophisticatedly guides students through the intricate layers of traditional Chinese culture, offering insights that are both relevant to contemporary issues in the 21st century and foundational for a deeper understanding of East Asian Confucianism. Engaging with Mencius' thoughts allows learners to reflect upon their own lives and societal dilemmas, learning vital life principles that echo across the ages. **Course Structure:** The syllabus is well-structured, unfolding over seven lectures that chronologically examine the evolution of Mencius' ideas from the Warring States period through the Tang, Song, Ming, and Qing dynasties. Each segment not only covers historical contexts and critical interpretations by subsequent scholars but also emphasizes how Mencius' teachings resonate with the challenges faced in each era. 1. **Dialogue with Mencius (Part 1: Warring States to Tang Dynasty)** - This session explores reinterpretations of Mencius from the Warring States through the Tang period, highlighting how political contexts shape philosophical understandings. 2. **Dialogue with Mencius (Part 2: Song Dynasty)** - Here, the course introduces the renewed focus on "Mencius" during the 11th century, exploring debates among Song intellectuals and the innovations introduced by Zhu Xi, a major figure in Confucian philosophy. 3. **Dialogue with Mencius (Part 3: Zhu Xi)** - This unit focuses on Zhu Xi’s exegesis of "Mencius" and discusses its historical impact, shedding light on why particular passages gained significance. 4. **Dialogue with Mencius (Part 4: Wang Yangming)** - A compelling comparison between Wang Yangming and Zhu Xi provides a multifaceted view of how interpretations of Mencius diverged and evolved, particularly during the Ming dynasty. 5. **Dialogue with Mencius (Part 5: Qing Dynasty)** - Students analyze how Qing thinkers engaged with Mencius' teachings, presenting new interpretations that continued to shape Chinese thought in the 18th and 19th centuries. 6. **Concluding Thoughts: The Spirit of Mencius and Chinese Culture** - This final lecture serves as a retrospective, urging students to contemplate the importance of engaging with Mencius and the enduring legacy of his philosophical contributions. 7. **Learning Activities** - The course includes interactive learning activities designed to deepen comprehension and application of the concepts discussed. **Recommendation:** This course is highly recommended for anyone interested in philosophy, history, and cross-cultural studies. It is particularly beneficial for students of cultural studies, political science, sociology, and education who seek to understand the complexities of East Asian thought. The course does not require a background in philosophy or Confucianism, making it accessible for beginners while also offering rich content for more experienced students. Each lecture is thoughtfully crafted, combining historical narrative with critical analysis. Enrolling in "East Asian Confucianisms: Mencius (2)" is a valuable opportunity to explore not only the philosophies of ancient China but also to apply those insights to current global contexts, nurturing both intellectual growth and personal development in today’s interconnected world. Whether you are looking to enhance your academic pursuits or simply wish to broaden your cultural horizons, this course is an excellent choice.

Syllabus

第1講 與孟子對話（一）：戰國至唐代

本單元將帶領同學學習兩個主題：一是孟子如何被戰國至唐代的儒者重新加以解釋？二是古代至中古的孟子學解釋史變化，透露出何種歷史訊息？為什麼中國的經典在各個朝代中，透過政治權力的解釋會有所不同？

第 2 講 與孟子對話（二）：宋代

本單元我們主要要帶領同學學習的主題有三：第一是公元第11世紀以後，孟子與《孟子》書獲得重視的歷史背景為何？第二是宋代知識分子對孟子思想有何爭議？第三是南宋大思想家朱熹（1130-1200）對孟子思想提出何種新解釋？

第 3 講：與孟子對話（三）：朱熹

本單元主要要帶領學習的主題是：歷代大儒對《孟子．知言養氣章》多賦予高度的重視，其原因為何？朱子解讀《孟子．知言養氣章》的思想脈絡以及對後世的影響為何？

第 4 講 與孟子對話（四）：王陽明

本單元將以陽明與朱子對比，探討他們兩人解讀孟子時之差異，幫助學生從不同的角度閱讀《孟子》。欲帶領同學思考的問題有二：第一是明末大思想家王陽明 (1472-1529) 對孟子思想提出何種新解釋？第二是王陽明的孟學解釋引起何種迴響？

第 5 講：與孟子對話（五）：清代

本單元我們的學習目標有二：第一是18世紀中國思想家如何閱讀孟子？這種新閱讀有何思想史意義？第二是19世紀中國思想家如何從孟子思想中，開發新的思想因素？

第 6 講 結論：孟子精神與中國文化

本單元作為結論，將帶領同學一起回顧《孟子》這部經典的重點。思索為什麼要帶領各位閱讀《孟子》此一重要經典。

第 7 講 學習活動