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Wang Bi. Clarifying the Images (Ming xiang)
2004, In Richard John Lynn (ed.). The Classic of Changes: A New Translation of the I Ching as Interpreted by Wang Bi.
Categories: Aesthetic Representation, Aesthetics, Asian Philosophy, Chinese Aesthetics, Classical Chinese Philosophy, Depiction, Meaning, Metaphysics & Epistemology, Philosophical Traditions, Philosophy of Language, Value Theory
Keywords: Chinese philosophy, aesthetics, hermeneutics, images, philosophy of language

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Added by: Meilin Chinn
Summary: From Wang Bi’s (226-249) seminal commentary on the Yi Jing (I Ching) or Classic of Changes. Bi catalogues and explains the relationship between images, ideas, language, and meaning. A key text that continues to be of importance in Chinese aesthetics, philosophy of language, and hermeneutics.

Comment: This text requires a basic understanding of early Chinese philosophy. It would be appropriate in an advanced undergraduate or graduate seminar on Chinese philosophy and/or aesthetics.

Related reading:

  • Ch. 26 of the Zhuangzi in Chuang-Tzu: The Inner Chapters. A.C. Graham, trans. Indianapolis, Hackett Publishing Company, Inc., 2001.
Difficulty: Advanced
Recommended use: Specialised reading
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