Yan-Li school

Chinese philosophical movement

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July 17, 2026

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The Yan-Li school was a pragmatic, empirical movement within Confucianism founded by Yan Yuan (1635–1704). This school opposed the speculative neo-Confucian philosophy prevalent since the 11th century. Yan Yuan advocated for a return to studying ancient Confucian Classics and implementing practical reforms, such as the "well-field" system for land distribution and compulsory military service. He believed that useful knowledge came from practical experience, integrating subjects like mathematics, geography, and military tactics into his curriculum. The Yan-Li school's doctrines were later disseminated by his student Li Gong, and a society dedicated to their study was formed in 1920.1

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Yan Yuan
…philosophical movement known as the Yan-Li school. A short-lived society to study and disseminate its doctrines was formed in 1920 in Beijing. Yan’s major works were reprinted in the late 19th century as the Yan-Li yishu (“Works of Yan and Li”).
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…philosophical movement known as the Yan-Li school. A short-lived society to study and disseminate its doctrines was formed in 1920 in Beijing. Yan’s major works were reprinted in the late 19th century as the Yan-Li yishu (“Works of Yan and Li”).
Read More