Zhang Xue-cheng Learning Theory Research

As we all know, between the Qianlong and Jiaqing period of the Qing Dynasty, the philosophy from the Song and Ming Dynasty gradually declined and the Philology came up as a fashion. Most of the confucians turned to objectively research the texts of six classics themselves, but not to understand the subtle thoughts of the ancients. But Chang Hseuh-ch’eng basing his unique understanding and outstanding perspective chose a new but not popular path, advocating collating the literature and history to overcome the shortages of the textual criticism school. The majority of modern scholars usually choose one or some points about this to research Chang Hseuh-ch’eng’s views about knowledge.However, his thought of knowledge is a whole; he put forward a lot of new ideas about the general direction,the different types of entrance, the specific process and the final results of intellectual activity. But on this point, there are still not enough researches. So the basic structures of paper are followed.Firstly, we discuss how Chang Hseuh-ch’eng established his thoughts about collation of literature and history, according to pointing out the differences between ancient and modern knowledge, and the relationship of literature and history to recovery the ideal state of knowledge.Secondly, we discuss how Chang Hseuh-ch’eng established his thoughts about the role of human nature and emotion in choosing the way of entering knowledge. He asked people to pay more attention to their own conditions to choose the most suitable method.Thirdly, we discuss Chang Hseuh-ch’eng’s views about the specific process of learning. He said that we should firstly learn enough knowledge, then make a summary to formate a whole system. For this purpose, we must correctly deal with the relationship of specificity and erudition, learning and thinking.At last, we will summarize all his views about learning. The aim that Chang Hseuh-ch’eng stated his viewpoints in this way is to illustrate his such thought that all knowledge must be to the final goal:"tao". To learn to pursuit the "tao" is to learn from "Qi",so his conclusion is to learn the knowledge of Zhou Gong and Confucius.