List of Chinese Philosophers - Imperial Era Philosophers - Neo-Confucianism

Neo-Confucianism

• Zhou Dunyi, argued for the inseparability of metaphysics and ethics.
  • Cheng Yi, made enemies with other philosophers, resulting in his works being banned.
  • Cheng Hao, brother to Cheng Yi.
  • Zhu Xi (Chu Hsi), rationalist and leading figure of the School of Principle.
    • Chen Hongmou, argued for racial and sexual equality in the place of education.
    • Wang Fuzhi, believed Confucius' teachings had become distorted, so wrote his own commentaires.
    • Wang Yangming, idealist and leading figure of the School of Mind.
      • Li Zhi, preached a form of moral relativism.
      • Qian Dehong, further developed The Yangming School of Mind.
      • Xu Ai, ardent follower of Wang Yangming.
      • Huang Zongxi, one of the first Neo-Confucians to stress the need for constitutional law.
      • Zhan Ruoshui, lifelong friend to Wang Yangming.

• Han Yu, precursor to Neo-Confucianism, essayist, and poet.
• Lu Jiuyuan, saw moral conduct as a consequence of intuitive insights into the essence of reality.
• Shao Yong, considered one of the most scholarly men of the time.
• Su Shi, accomplished Song Dynasty writer.
• Ye Shi, stressed practical learning and applying Confucian doctrine to real world problems.
• Zhang Zai, everything is composed of qi, and that fact explains everything.
• Lai Zhide, created the Taijitu.
• Li Ao