qingtan
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The term "qingtan" refers to a practice of philosophical discourse popular among the Chinese upper class from the 3rd century onward. This practice was closely linked to Xuanxue, or "Dark Learning," a philosophical movement that explored metaphysical problems and the search for an underlying principle behind the world of change.12
Initially, qingtan discussions focused on critiquing the personal qualities of contemporaries, which had a practical function in recommending individuals for official posts. However, by the 4th century, qingtan evolved into a refined pastime for the aristocracy, characterized by elegant and abstruse philosophical or artistic discussions. This intellectual trend often provided an escape from the realities of life.12
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Chinese literatureProseâŠin the new vogue of qingtan (âpure conversationâ), intellectual discussions on lofty and nonmundane matters, recorded in a 5th-century collection of anecdotes titled Shishuo xinyu (âA New Account of Tales of the Worldâ) by Liu Yiqing. Though prose writers as a whole continued to be most concerned with lyrical expressionâŠ
Read MoreâŠin the new vogue of qingtan (âpure conversationâ), intellectual discussions on lofty and nonmundane matters, recorded in a 5th-century collection of anecdotes titled Shishuo xinyu (âA New Account of Tales of the Worldâ) by Liu Yiqing. Though prose writers as a whole continued to be most concerned with lyrical expressionâŠ
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ChinaConfucianism and philosophical DaoismâŠpractice of âpure conversationâ (qingtan), a special type of philosophical discourse much in vogue among the cultured upper class from the 3rd century onward. In the earliest phase, the main theme of such discussionâa highly formalized critique of the personal qualities of well-known contemporariesâstill had a concrete function inâŠ
Read MoreâŠpractice of âpure conversationâ (qingtan), a special type of philosophical discourse much in vogue among the cultured upper class from the 3rd century onward. In the earliest phase, the main theme of such discussionâa highly formalized critique of the personal qualities of well-known contemporariesâstill had a concrete function inâŠ
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NanjingThe early empiresIn philosophy, the so-called qingtan (âpure discourseâ) movement, spiritually akin to a form of Daoism, found many adherents who held themselves aloof from politics. Hundreds of Buddhist temples were built, voluminous Buddhist scriptures were edited and transcribed, and thousands, including the emperor Wudi, founder of the Nan Liang dynasty,âŠ
Read MoreIn philosophy, the so-called qingtan (âpure discourseâ) movement, spiritually akin to a form of Daoism, found many adherents who held themselves aloof from politics. Hundreds of Buddhist temples were built, voluminous Buddhist scriptures were edited and transcribed, and thousands, including the emperor Wudi, founder of the Nan Liang dynasty,âŠ
Read More