Abstract:

As the carrier of thoughts, classics are related to the universal principles of life and the universe. As far as the evolution of Chinese culture is concerned, classics are first associated with classical learning （jingxue）: classical learning plays a very important role in shaping Chinese culture from universal values to daily behaviors, and so on. From the perspective of the development of modern academic thought, we can notice that classical learning can be divided into two kinds. The first is related to literature research and can be regarded as the study of literature in a broad sense. With the rise of textology in the Qing Dynasty, the dimension of literature research in classical learning has been further developed, and classical learning itself has gradually formed an empirical tendency. The second is related to value, which is manifested in some ideological ideas. As far as research methodology is concerned, the second kind of classical learning is dominated by theoretical identity rather than critical reflection. In various aspects, including the relationship between individual and society, that between past and future, and the understanding of political order, classical learning has its historical limitations. In addition to classical learning, classics are also related to the study of classics in a broad sense, which is not limited to the classics of classical learning. In terms of methodology, it takes the unity of emotional identity and rational analysis as its approach, emphasizes dialogue and comparison, and makes modern intellectual construction based on the interpretation of classics. From a realistic perspective, the study of classics should not be limited to classical learning.

Key words: classics, classical learning, study of classics