唐文治与学堂经学的改革 = TANG WENZHI AND THE REFORM OF ACADEMY-BASED CONFUCIAN CLASSICS STUDIES, 1895-1945

Abstract

This dissertation explores the reform of academy-based Confucian classics studies in the late Qing period and its influence on Tang Wenzhi’s attempt to address the cultural and social problems in China. This dissertation, taking Imperial University of Peking as the major case, discusses the reforms on curriculum and textbooks in the academies in the late Qing period under the impact of western scholarship. The purpose of these reforms was to reconcile Chinese learning and western learning. These reforms included the combination of the learning of the Four Treasuries and the learning of the Seven Faculties, and the compilation of textbooks for the learning of the Four Treasuries by following the models of western textbooks. These reforms were manifested in the design of courses and compilation of textbooks for Confucian Classics Studies, and entailed a transitional form of "academy-based Confucian Classics Studies". "Academy-based Confucian Classics Studies" abided by the ideal of "Chinese essence and Western practicality". This transitional form of "academy-based Confucian Classics Studies" fostered in the early academies eventually came to an end in Republican China.

So far, the mainstream academic opinion treated Tang Wenzhi's educational practice in Wuxi Academy of Chinese Culture as a kind of "renaissance of traditional academy". However, this dissertation, based on an intellectual historical investigation, argues that Tang was deeply influenced by the transitional form of "academy-based Confucian Classics Studies". He also adhered to the ideal of "Chinese essence and Western practicality"; his methodology and interpretation of the system of Confucian classics were a reponse to western culture to some extent. Furthermore, his design of curriculum and compilation of textbooks for Confucian Classics Studies were very similar to those of "academy-based Confucian Classics Studies". To a large extent, Tang's Confucian Classics Studies and practices can be regarded as a continuation and development of "academy-based Confucian Classics Studies".