The author: Lives in the cultural province of Henan, near Luoyang, the Zhou capital.
Pre-Qin School of Names (名家): Philosophy, Contributions, and Legacy
2025-04-01Pre-Qin School of Diplomacy (纵横家): Strategies, Thinkers & Legacy
2025-04-01
1. Zou Yan (邹衍, c. 305–240 BCE)
- Core Philosophy
- Five Elements Theory (五行说): Cyclic interaction of Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water.
- “Five Virtues” Political Cycle (五德终始): Dynasties rise/fall according to elemental virtues.
- Macrocosm-Microcosm Correspondence: Human affairs mirror cosmic patterns.
- Key Contributions
- Systematized China’s first comprehensive cosmology.
- Influenced Qin Dynasty’s water-virtue symbolism (black as imperial color).
- Historical Significance
- Bridged natural philosophy and imperial legitimacy theories.
- Enduring Influence
- Foundation for Chinese medicine, alchemy, and geomancy (Feng Shui).
2. Key Concepts
| Theory |
Application |
Modern Parallel |
| Yin-Yang Balance |
Medicine (e.g., Huangdi Neijing) |
Holistic healthcare |
| Elemental Cycles |
Dynastic transitions |
Political legitimacy narratives |
| Qi (气) Cosmology |
Divination practices |
Energy healing traditions |
