Scholars in the Qianlong-Jiaqing Period and Their Multiple Interpretations of the Theory of"the Unity of Classics and History"
Scholars in the Qianlong-Jiaqing period had various interpretations of the relationship between classics and history,each with its own connotations and implications.The understanding of the relationship between classics and theory was not only a discussion about the superiority of classics or history,but also related to academic methods and ideological agendas,involving key issues such as the unity of monarchs and teachers,the use of history to elucidate the Dao,the relationship between literature and Dao,and the transmission of orthodox traditions.The theory of"affinity between classics and history"proposed by the textual scholar Qian Daxin was actually still within the tradition of studying history to seek the Dao.The core of Cui Shu's theory of"no distinction between classics and history"was twofold,—the conviction that Six Classics were the vehicle of the Dao and the belief in Confucius'idea to govern the world through learning.The theory of"history without classics"by litterateur Yuan Mei argued for the unity of literature and the Dao and the freedom of individual subjectivity.Zhang Xuecheng advocated that"the Six Classics are all histories",and the true concern was the unity of politics and education.The divergent opinions of different scholars at the same period provoked multiple interpreatations of the"unity of classics and history"at that time,foreshadowing various interpretations of this theory in later generations.
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