Synthesized answer
The author examines the implications of the concept of "Li" as it develops in Neo-Daoist metaphysics and Chinese Buddhism [1, 2]. This concept ultimately becomes foundational to Song and Ming dynasty Neo-Confucianism [1, 2]. The author's interrogation of Li extends beyond analysis to reveal the unsuspected range of human thinking on fundamental categories like ontology, metaphysics, epistemology, and ethics [1, 2].
The book explores the history of "Li" and its seemingly conflicting implications, such as oneness and differentiation, the knowable and what transcends knowledge, the good and the transcendence of good and bad, and order and omnipresence [2]. This exploration builds upon a companion volume that detailed how formative Confucian and Daoist thinkers approached concepts of coherence, order, and value [2]. The provided passages describe the scope and subject matter of the author's work but do not specify the particular evidence the author uses to support their claims.
Synthesized from the book passages below. Chat with the book on Feynman for follow-up.
From the book
Ziporyn's interrogation goes beyond analysis to reveal the unsuspected range of human thinking on these most fundamental categories of ontology, metaphysics, epistemology, and ethics. Categories: Philosophy Pages: 434 Snippet: In the present volume, Brook Ziporyn goes on to examine the implications of Li as they develop in Neo-Daoist metaphysics and in Chinese Buddhism, ultimately becoming foundational to Song and Ming dynasty Neo-Confucianism, the orthodox ...
Title: Beyond Oneness and Difference by Brook Ziporyn Description: Beyond Oneness and Difference considers the development of one of the key concepts of Chinese intellectual history, Li. A grasp of the strange history of this term and its seemingly conflicting implications—as oneness and differentiation, as the knowable and as what transcends knowledge, as the good and as the transcendence of good and bad, as order and as omnipresence—raises questions about the most basic building blocks of our thinking. This exploration began in the book's companion volume, Ironies of Oneness and…