Abstract

For the past few decades, study of Chinese intellectual history in the Ming-Qing transition has become a popular and favorable topic and much emphasis has been put on the great thinkers and top elites. As a secondary elite, Tang Zhen did not receive much scholar's attention. However, it is believed that the study of the lower social status intellectual would give us a more complete picture of the intellectual trends of that period. The present study of the teachings of Tang Zhen, aims at bringing this neglected historical figure into light and broaden the scope of the Ming-Qing transition intellectual history. ;It is generally acknowledged that Jing-Shi thought, which stressed the pragmatic values of Confucian ideal, was one of the most important features of the Ming-Qing intellectual history. Intellectuals at that time endeavored to construct an ideal nation through their in-depth study of Confucian Classics. They believed their propositions on the reforms were of high practicability. The other feature of Ming-Qing transition highlighted by contemporary Mainland historians, particularly Hou Wai Lu, was a period of Enlightenment. It emphasized the breakthrough of traditional Confucian values of the intellectuals. In fact, through the study of the teachings of Tang Zhen, neither one of them has been provided with enough persuasiveness. The importance and historical significance of the Ming-Qing transition in Chinese intellectual history should be reevaluated. ;The thesis is divided into eight chapters. ;The first chapter reviews the research work on Tang Zhen since 1912, and the second chapter traces Tang Zhen's clan and discusses his family background, friends and scholarly works. The issue of whether his works were published is carefully studied. ;The third chapter discusses Tang Zhen's intellectual ideas and philosophical thought. Though he claimed that he was a loyal follower of Wang Yang Ming, but his views on intellectual and philosophical issues shows that both the teachings of Lu-Wang School and Cheng-Zhu School were converged in Early Qing. ;The fourth chapter attempts to investigate the political thought of Tang Zhen, especially his famous bold critics on the Emperors from Qin Dynasty onwards and the ideas of Prince education. This chapter also examines his thinking on an ideal government structure and the management strategies and skills of an Emperor should possess. ;The fifth chapter analyses Tang Zhen's unusual remarks on social norms and personal ethics. His views and interpretations on the Three Bonds and Five Cardinal Confucian Relationships are discussed. Special attention is paid to his ideas of taking office and retiring from public services. ;The sixth chapter examines the economic views of Tang Zhen. His ideas of "rich-people", development of silk industry in local county and monetary reform are discussed in detail. ;The seventh chapter gives an account of his propositions on military affairs. His new concept of "the entirely of learning" is specially analyzed. ;The eighth chapter is an overall evaluation of the teachings of Tang Zhen