Why did Kogaku scholars seek a return to the original teachings of Confucius and Mencius?

The Kogaku ("Ancient Learning") scholars sought a return to the original teachings of Confucius and Mencius primarily because they believed that the prevailing Neo-Confucianism of the Tokugawa period had distorted the authentic philosophy of the ancient sages.12

These scholars, including Itō Jinsai and Ogyū Sorai, argued that contemporary interpretations had become overly focused on abstract metaphysical concepts—such as "principle" (ri) and "vital force" (ki)—which they felt deviated from the practical concerns of the original classics.34

By returning to the source, Kogaku thinkers aimed to:
* Avoid Metaphysical Speculation: They rejected the complex, abstract theories of later Chinese thinkers in favor of the direct, humanistic teachings of the early masters.3
* Promote Social Harmony: They emphasized basic virtues and social relationships as the foundation for good government and a stable society.3
* Address Contemporary Realities: They sought to apply Confucian ideals to the practical challenges of their time, such as the economic distress of the warrior class and the shifting social order.4