The Analysis On The Nature Concept Of Hedong Scholars In Tang Dynasty

As the birthplace of Tang Dynasty, the East River district of Tang Dynasty was preferred by the dictators, and its economy, culture and science and technology developed fast. Whereas, the development of science and technology certainly exert an influence on people's viewpoints on nature and their relationship. The nature concept at this time reveals many different phenomena. During the three-hundred-year reign by Tang Dynasty scholars in the East River district emerged in an endless stream, such as Liu Zongyuan, Wang Bo, Bai Juyi, Wang Changling and Wang wei, whose influences are of importance in the field of thinking. The nature concept this time thoroughly reveals the whole thoughts on nature and the relationship between human beings and nature; meanwhile, it breaks through the nature concept in our ancient times.The thesis systematically investigates and thoroughly presents the nature concept of East River of Tang Dynasty. Methodologically speaking, the thesis adopts the intrinsic method as well as other research methods and results. What is mentioned in the present study is also an important phase of Shanxi thinking history of science, which complements the study of Shanxi thinking history of science.The completion of the present study is based on the historical documents, combining researches and demonstrations in the thinking history of science and integrating the methodology of cultural geography. The documents are mainly from China Journal and record holdings in the library of Shanxi University.The present thesis consists of the following four parts.Part One is about introduction about nature concept of scholars in East River before Tang Dynasty. It includes the origin of nature concept of scholars in East River and their materialistic nature concepts, including the concepts of Shizi, Xunzi, Han Feizi, Pei Wei and Sun Sheng. Part Two is about the understanding of auspicious sign by scholars in East River in Tang Dynasty. With the science and technology developing, the auspicious sign is declining. The scholars at this period criticized the auspicious sign, as is the main cause for its declining. Part Three is about the nature written by scholars in East River of Tang Dynasty, which is from oneness of heaven and human to ecological nature. Oneness from Confucianism exerts a great influence on ancient China and the scholars of East River. The ecological nature concept, which is born from Oneness, also affects modern society to protect our environment. Part Four is about the outstanding thinker—Liu Zongyuan—of this period. The present study focuses on his thoughts, including vigor monism, conclusion of "separating-from-heaven-and-human" thought, the thought of atheism, and the concept of heaven and human.