On Wang Tong's Philosophy Thoughts And His Status In History

Wang Tong is a great thinker in history's turning point. He brings forward much valuable thoughts in his short life, while he isn't much accounted in his times and his thoughts have been developed greatly by subsequent thinkers after his death. This essay does some researches on Wang Tong and his thoughts. In preface, the essay simply probes into whether Wang Tong and his work is ture and the meaning of Wang Tong's thoughts. The essay is divided into three chapters. The first chapter mainly introduces Wang Tong's all life, his work and some correlative contents. Wang Tong is born in a family who advocates Confucianism, and influenced deeply by his kindreds. He follows the example of Confucius and takes the prosperity of Confucianism as his mission all his life. Wang Tong has many works, however, there is only one left, and that is On the middle of the road. Chapter two discusses Wang Tong's main thoughts. His thoughts relate to a wide range, such as politics,philosophy ,religion,ethic and so on. He proposes the dominator carry out humanity policies; on the question "the relation between nature and people"in natural philosophy, he emphasizes the status and functions of people. He proposes that the three religions become one, this opinion points out a brilliant way for Confucianism. He attaches much importance to ethical constructions, and puts forward many valuable ideas. Chapter three discusses Wang Tong's status and influences. He turns the decadent trend of Confucianism, and enlightens Li Xue to some extent. He advocates the articles should show the focus, and attacks the turgid vogue at that time. The subsequent scholars are deeply influenced by his thoughts. In all, Wang Tong's great achievements can never be effaced.