The Confucianist of Neo-Confucianism in Twentieth-century China:A Study of Meng Wentong's Midterm Thought of Neo-Confucianism
Meng Wentong's Neo-Confucian journey reached its middle phase with the publication of"Five Discourses on Confucianism"in 1944.In this period,he critically assessed Zhu Xi's and Wang Yangming's philosophies.Meng attributed Zhu Xi's shortcomings to a shallow exploration of principles through material engagement and Wang Yangming's to an oversimplified view of universal sagehood.He argued that both philosophers overlooked the core Confucian principles of"choosing the goodness"and"thinking of sincerity,"which are crucial for understanding Neo-Confucianism.While Meng's critiques may deviate from the doctrines of Zhu Xi's and Wang Yangming's,they underscore his commitment to the mainstream thought of Neo-Confucianism.Meng emphasized the inseparability between principles and vital energies,echoing the teachings of mainstream Neo-Confucianism.Positioned as a twentieth-century inheritor of the Neo-Confucianism in the Ming Dynasty,Meng's philosophy blends critical analysis with traditional lineage,thus adapting ancient methodologies to modern moral advancement.His work serves as a bridge between classical Confucianism and contemporary ethical inquiry,enriching the discourse on Neo-Confucian thought in modern China.
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