The Origin, Orientation, and Methods of Research on Pre-Qin Study of Names and Disputation

Abstract

Pre-Qin masters extensively explored issues related to the names and disputation (mingbian), but these issues received limited attention from scholars following the Qin and Han dynasties. Research on this topic was not revived until the late Qing to the early Republican periods, and it has continued to the present day. Over the past century, research on pre-Qin study of names and disputation has primarily focused on the theoretical reconstruction of texts based on frameworks, such as logic (particularly traditional logic), philosophy, and semiotics. Some researchers have also concentrated on exploring the ancient approaches to issues of mingbian. Contemporary research emphasizes the importance of employing appropriate interpretative methods that align with the characteristics of texts, alongside the necessity for a solid and reliable literature foundation. The interpretation of “Baima Lun” of Gongsun Longzi indicates that concept clarification and argumentative analysis are valuable for grasping the intrinsic meaning of texts. This approach has proven effective for interpreting similar texts and addressing issues related to the study of names and disputation.

Keywords

　pre-Qin study of names and disputation / theoretical reconstruction / concept clarification / argumentative analysis / “Baima Lun”

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