Standards and Reference in Early Chinese Philosophy of Language: Mohist Concepts, Practices, and Texts...

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Dr Susan Blake (Occidental College, USA)

Standards and Reference in Early Chinese Philosophy of Language

Name: Standards and Reference in Early Chinese Philosophy of Language
Price: 170 AUD
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ISBN: 9781350085114

Mohist Concepts, Practices, and Texts

Dr Susan Blake (Occidental College, USA)

$170

Hardback

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English

Bloomsbury Academic
22 January 2026

Philosophy of language; Oriental & Indian philosophy

Philosophy of Language in Early China characterizes early Chinese philosophy of language through a focus on standards (‘fa’) and the activity of giving examples (‘ju’). It argues that standards are understood by early Chinese philosophers to provide the groundwork for judgment and language, not only in the Mohist school, but also in other thinkers from the Warring States and early Han, particularly the Zhuangzi and Xunzi.

Blake demonstrates that standards and examples provide a way to identify the reference of words and assess others’ judgments and linguistic competence, similar to some theories found in contemporary analytic texts. They also discuss the ways in which the Mohist account goes beyond a discussion of reference through a focus on communication and predication.

Providing new insights into ancient Chinese thought and the nature of language, this book will be of interest to those working in comparative philosophy, philosophy of language, Chinese philosophy and East Asian studies.

By: Dr Susan Blake (Occidental College USA)
Imprint: Bloomsbury Academic
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 236mm, Width: 154mm, Spine: 14mm
Weight: 420g
ISBN: 9781350085114
ISBN 10: 1350085111
Pages: 184
Publication Date: 22 January 2026
Audience: College/higher education , Primary
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active

Introduction 1. The meaning of fa in Chinese texts: Warring States and early Han 2. Fa and Mohist philosophy of language 3. Recognizing the Mohist theory in other texts 4. Comparisons Index Bibliography

Susan Blake is Visiting Assistant Professor at Bard College, USA.

Reviews for Standards and Reference in Early Chinese Philosophy of Language: Mohist Concepts, Practices, and Texts

""Was there philosophy in classical China? 50 years ago analysis of the recently rediscovered Mohist theory of language tipped the balance in favor of a positive answer. Now an ambitious philosopher of language and historian of philosophy is taking up the interpretations of Mohist theory of language to bring them into contact with modern Western theories and to argue for including Chinese thought in philosophical curricula. This fresh discussion of the relation between pragmatic standards and semantic reference is a must read for anyone interested in cross-cultural philosophy."" -- Chad Hansen * Professor of Philosophy, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong *