Science and Natural Philosophy

Abstract

This chapter presents selections from Zhu Xi’s writings and conversations concerning his knowledge about and attitude toward the natural world and the objects and phenomena in it. The selections include discussions on such basic concepts as pattern-principle, qi, yin-yang, the five phases, etc. Together they amount to what might be considered his “natural philosophy.” In addition, this chapter includes Zhu Xi’s writings and comments on various scientific subjects, such as calendrical astronomy, harmonics, geography, medicine, and mathematics, his views about why these are things well-educated gentleman should know, and how one should go about acquiring proper knowledge of these aspects of the natural world.