The Concept of Nature in Maimonides and Zhu Xi: A Comparative Perspective: The Concept of Nature in Maimonides and Zhu Xi: Ying Zhang.

Maimonides (1135/1138–1204) and Zhu Xi 朱熹 (1130–1200) are unparalleled in the transformation and revitalization of Jewish and Confucian traditions, respectively. This article offers a comparative analysis of the two philosophers' conceptions of nature and their view on the end of knowledge. It exami...

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Publicado en:Dao: A Journal of Comparative Philosophy Vol. 24; no. 1; pp. 119 - 142
Autor principal: Zhang, Ying
Formato: Artículo
Publicado: Springer Nature Mar2025
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Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
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        atl: The Concept of Nature in Maimonides and Zhu Xi: A Comparative Perspective: The Concept of Nature in Maimonides and Zhu Xi: Ying Zhang.
      aug:
        au: Zhang, Ying
        affil: https://ror.org/02n96ep67 Department of Philosophy, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Minhang District, 200241, Shanghai, P.R. China
      su:
        Maimonides, Moses, 1135-1204
        Zhu Xi, 1130-1200
        Philosophy
        Religious studies
        Confucianism
      sug:
        subj:
          Maimonides, Moses, 1135-1204
          Zhu Xi, 1130-1200
          Philosophy
          Religious studies
          Confucianism
      keyword:
        Li 理 (pattern or principle)
        Maʿaseh bereshith (the Account of the Beginning)
        Maimonides
        Nature
        Philosophy and Religious Studies Philosophy
        Xing 性 (nature)
        Zhu Xi 朱熹
      ab: Maimonides (1135/1138–1204) and Zhu Xi 朱熹 (1130–1200) are unparalleled in the transformation and revitalization of Jewish and Confucian traditions, respectively. This article offers a comparative analysis of the two philosophers' conceptions of nature and their view on the end of knowledge. It examines, on one hand, Maimonides's distinctive interpretation of the rabbinic concept of maʿaseh bereshith (the Account of the Beginning) in the light of his statement that maʿaseh bereshith is identical with natural science; and on the other hand, Zhu Xi's elucidation of key concepts such as xing 性 (nature), shu 數 (number), tian 天 (heaven), and cheng 誠 (genuineness) in the framework of his doctrine of li 理 (pattern or principle) and qi 氣 (material force). The article points out that Maimonides not only connects the maʿaseh bereshith to the beginning of the world, as traditionally held; he also associates it with the beginning of the revelation of the Mosaic Law, which renders profound implications. While both emphasize the inherent nature of all things, they diverge on the ultimate goal of knowledge in terms of the hierarchy of virtues. Along with Aristotle, Maimonides prioritizes rational virtue over moral virtue, thereby placing intellectual perfection as the ultimate human perfection. In contrast, Zhu Xi esteems knowledge of nature as facilitating the pursuit of the highest goal of sagehood, and leaves no room for the higher status of theoretical pursuit to moral cultivation.
      pubtype: Academic Journal
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    language: English
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