Title

Visual Linguistics: its Theory and Operations 

Author

Shun-chiu Yao 

Genre

Article  

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Abstract

    Taking “Scientific Research Tradition” as a basic unit, I discuss some aspects in the Chinese ancient debates of astronomical cosmologies. This is a preliminary effort to study the Chinese history from the combined perspective of history and philosophy of science.

    A deliberate contrast is made between the research tradition of 周錍 and one special tradition of 「緯書」(those interested in 「天地廣大」) in order to show the historical significance of the emergence of 周錍 research tradition. A possible account is also given to help understand the many ysterious “cosmological numbers” 「天地之數」in many 緯書. 

    Considering the historical development of 「句股重差術」within the context of周錍 research tradition, I make a new comparison concerning the historical interactions and competitions between two major cosmological research traditions: 周錍 and 渾天. Some old accounts of this competition are thereby criticized

    Within the context of 李淳風’s late commentary of 周錍算經 is discussed in detail. It is claimed that 李’s commentary is the last stronghold of the old 周錍tradition and also the beginning of a new transformation of that tradition

    From the perspective of 周錍 research tradition, a new interpretation is given concerning 一行’s attitude toward early Chinese cosmological tradtions.