The Philosophical Underpinnings of the Semantic System of Chinese"HEART":Where HEART Lives
Drawing on a preliminary exploration of the semantic root and semiotic interpretations of the Chinese concept of"HEART",this article investigates its evolution and significance within ancient Chinese philosophy.Rooted in traditional Chinese medicine,the conceptualization of the HEART exhibits distinct cultural characteristics as man is the integral part of nature.Within Confu-cianism and Taoism,the heart is regarded as the central organ of human cognition,the seat of mind discernment,and a micro-cosm reflecting the external world.This article examines three key aspects:(1)the HEART as the center of the"mind";(2)as the moral compass;and(3)as the locus of emotions.These aspects lay the groundwork for metaphorical expressions associa-ted with the HEART.The conceptualization of the"HEART"in both Confucian and Taoist texts reflects a philosophical orienta-tion embedded in the exclusive semantic framework of the Chinese concept of"HEART",spanning individual,societal,and cos-mic dimensions.
ancient Chinese philosophyHEARTcognitive agentconceptualizationmetaphorphilosophical motivation
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