Cosmology and Political Culture in Early China
( Cambridge Studies in Chinese History, Literature and Institutions )
Publication series ：Cambridge Studies in Chinese History, Literature and Institutions
Author： Aihe Wang
Publisher： Cambridge University Press
Publication year： 2000
E-ISBN: 9780511824890
P-ISBN(Paperback): 9780521624206
Subject： B21 Ancient Philosophy
Keyword： 亚洲史
Language： ENG
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Cosmology and Political Culture in Early China
Description
This radical reinterpretation of the formative stages of Chinese culture and history traces the central role played by cosmology in the formation of China's early empires. It crosses the disciplines of history, social anthropology, archaeology and philosophy to illustrate how cosmological systems, particularly the Five Elements, shaped political culture. By focusing on dynamic change in early cosmology, the book undermines the notion that Chinese cosmology was homogeneous and unchanging. By arguing that cosmology was intrinsic to power relations, it also challenges prevailing theories of political and intellectual history.
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