Abstract:

The study of “names” cannot simply follow the old path of using logic as the criterion to judge traditional Chinese thought any more. Returning to the approach proposed by Yan Fu and Hu Shi, which regards “names” as the “method” of Chinese philosophy, could lead to a “new study of names”. In recent years, many scholars from home and abroad are reconverging on this latter path, and there have been some noteworthy research findings provided by overseas sinologists. They demonstrate the rich dimensions by deepening the issue in the context of “names”, reflecting on the discourse of the “rectification of names” in the history of modern Chinese philosophy, or bringing the issue of “names” into world philosophy. However, if we further understand the method of “names” as the “foundation” of Chinese philosophy, we will find that there are much to be done in the “new study of names” both at home and abroad.

Key words: sinologist, study of names, a new study of names, foundation