Mengzi on Rectification of Names

Studies in Logic, Vol. 17, No. 6 (2024): 93–116.            PII: 1674-3202(2024)-06-0093-24

Yuyu Liu

Abstract. Set in the context of pre-Qin period, Mengzi’s contribution to the discussions of language issues connects later debates over name and reality to Kongzi’s idea of zhengming. Inheriting Kongzi’s socio-political concern, Mengzi disclosed the ambiguity and contradictions latent in contemporary philosophical discourse through his argumentation. In response to Mengzi, Gongsun Long and later Moists developed the logico-linguistic strain implied in Mengzi’s discussions, but diverged from each other in two oppositional veins. While Gongsun Long attempted to defend Mengzi’s project of rectifying reality in terms of the correct use of names, the later Moists proposed the opposite, denying the possibility to use language as the standard to rectify reality. Combining the pragmatism of later Moists with Zhuangzi’s antilanguage position, Xunzi renounced the logico-linguistic approach and prioritized tradition and common sense over logical and linguistic standards of right and wrong.