A Dedication to Classics Scholarship

Abstract

Abstract Classics scholarship was discontinued during China’s pre-modern era and in the recent century or more its value has yet to be recognized and rehabilitated. The paper examines the issue in four segments, with the expectation to provide a contribution to its revival. (a) A tentative exegesis of classics scholarship. The Chinese word jing (“classics,” “canons,” or “sutra”) refers to the constant Dao (Way); it may also serve as a verb meaning “to regulate” or “to govern.” The same is true with classics scholarship, which denotes the study of Confucian classics. Of the Six Classics, The Book of Songs, The Book of History, and The Book of Rites form the kernel of canonical Confucian texts. (b) The rise and fall of classics scholarship and its historical lessons. In ancient China, classics scholarship underwent six stages of development, before it suffered two fatal blows, respectively during the New Cultural Movement (early 20th century) and during the “Cultural Revolution” (1966–1976). History has taught us that classics scholarship can be used but not overexploited. (c) Rationalism and tradition. Tradition is by no means the enemy of reason. Whereas the Western Enlightenment thinkers pitted tradition against reason, Chinese classics scholarship, exhibits historical reason, which is exemplified by the historical necessity of all of its specific traditions. (d) The significance of contemporary classics scholarship. China’s cultural genes are deeply rooted in classics scholarship. The two major concepts of classics scholarship: Ren and Li complement each other, bringing harmony and unity to Chinese society. Classics scholarship should involve study of ancient texts, phonology, semantics, as well as history, and undertake the mission to resist unilateralism and clash of civilizations.