The Research On The "Mind-Nature" Philosophy Of Shao Yong

Shao Yong, Zhou Dunyi, Cheng Hao, Cheng Yi and Zhang Zai, the“Five Great Confucian Scholars of Northern Song Dynasty”, together with Zhu Xi, Lv Zuqian and Lu Jiuyuan of Southern Song Dynasty, are the founding fathers of Neo-Confucianism.The academic thinking of Shao Yong has always been called as image-number Yiology, which is quite unique in academic history of Song Dynasty. The academic purpose of him is “to understand human rules according to the order of nature”,among which Mind-Nature Theory plays an significant part. Mind-Nature Theory is a combination of ontology, epistemology, the theory of human nature and ethics, which are important components of Neo-Confucianism, thus, have been attached great importance by Neo-Confucianists. Cause Shao Yong is one of the representatives of Neo-Confucianism, Mind-Nature Theory is inevitably shown in his works and theories, though not that noticeable. However, a detailed study shows that Mind-Nature Theory is an integral part in his thinking. Thus, the study is quite essential.Based on the works of Shao Yong, a comprehensive study of the Mind-Nature Theory in his thought is done, and is illustrated through four parts. In the first part, the life experience and works of Shao Yong are introduced, including his life story, living background, his acquaintances and a introduction of some of his works, in order to illustrate the formation of his thought. At the same time, Zhu Xi's assessment on him is used to show his important status and great influence in the development of Neo-Confucianism; In the second part, the Mind-Nature Theory of Shao Yong is studied. The thought of “mind as Taichi” set a school of its own in Song Dynasty.Besides, the notion of “mind” is elevated to ethical level by him and seen as the origin and principle of the Universe. Furthermore, he names his academic thinking as“Thought of Prophet”, which shows his original thinking on Mind-Nature Theory. In the third part, a study of the Theory of Life is conducted, among which are his thinking of human nature, thought of observing objects, and how did he integrate Taoism into Confucianism. And a conclusion is made on the features andNeo-confucianist characteristics of his Theory of Life. In the last part, a conclusion is made on the Mind-Nature Theory of Shao Yong. And the influence of him is analyzed through the analysis of the thinking of Cheng Hao, Cheng Yi, Zhang Zai and Lu Jiuyuan.