Title

Distinguishing between Names and Things:The Conception of Things and the Establishment of Ritual Order in the Zhouli

Author

Lin Su-chuan

Genre

Article  

Pages

483~521

Download

PDF

Language

Chinese

Key words

Zhouli周禮, names and things, the rectification of names, real names,the four directions, discerning things

Abstract

    The meaning of “things” in the Zhouli (周禮, the Rites of Zhou) is multi-layered and rich. The Zhouli uses the identification of names and things to construct the official administration as well as the systems of sacrifice, tribute, rewards and punishments, and education. It also uses the identification of names and things to shed light on the way of heaven, political affairs, and human ethics. This article first explains the distinctions regarding names and things that appear frequently in the Zhouli, and analyzes them from the context of sacrifices, official positions, etiquette,education, etc., to illustrate the text’s rich view of things. This article also describes the theory of form, name, and reality brought about by the identification of names and things, how the Zhouli uses the distinctions of names and things as the basis for realizing the ideals of “consolidating and managing the country,” and “building and protecting the country.” Finally, the article situates distinguishing between names and things against the cultural background of name rectification, form and name, and the theory of name and reality in the pre-Qin period, and considers the significance of “names and things” in etiquette, politics, and education.