From “Supreme Oneness” (‘Taiyi’) to “Principle” (‘Li’): A Comparison of Xing Yunlu and Wang Xichan’s Astronomy System

Authors: Miao Wang

DOI: 10.23880/phij-16000201

Volume 4, Issue 4

Abstract

This article introduces the two Chinese calendrical astronomers Xing Yunlu (c.1549-c.1621) and Wang Xichan (1628-1682), and their treatises completed during the late Ming and early Qing dynasties in China. The former only focused on traditional Chinese astronomy, who compiled Gujin lüli kao (Investigation into Harmonics and Calendrical Astronomy from Antiquity to the Present) and constructed the system under the concept Taiyi (Supreme Oneness). However, the latter completed his calendrical astronomy work under the influence of European astronomy which was introduced into China by Jesuit missionaries during the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, Chinese traditional astronomy and Neo-Confucianism. Furthermore, it compares their astronomical system and academic background. More significantly, this paper also re-explores the influence of European science in China at that time in a metaphysical approach. 

Keywords: Xing Yunlu; Wang Xichan; Calendrical astronomy; Neo-Confucianism

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