Glossary of Chinese philosophy

This is a Glossary of Chinese philosophy.

The glossary of Chinese philosophy offers an alphabetically organized overview of concepts, schools, texts, and figures that have shaped Chinese intellectual, philosophical, and spiritual traditions from antiquity to modern times. It covers classical Confucian, Daoist, Legalist, and Buddhist thought, as well as later philosophical developments, scholarly debates, and political and cultural movements. The glossary includes key concepts, canonical texts, historical figures, philosophers, scholars, and modern interpreters of Chinese thought, also from outside of China. It provides terms of ethical, metaphysical, and political ideas, along with references to relevant schools, debates, and interpretations. By presenting both well-known doctrines and less-studied figures and traditions, the glossary illustrates the diversity, evolution, and interconnectedness of Chinese intellectual history. Entries often include alternate names, transliterations, and historical context to help readers navigate the complex landscape of Chinese philosophy, religion, and scholarship.

Glossary

<small>Note: The alphabetical glossary contains a mixture of Chinese terms (in Pinyin transcription) and Western terms. Entries are sorted strictly alphabetically, which means the order does not always follow the conventional sequence of Chinese vocabulary by Pinyin syllables. Umlauted vowels (e.g., “ü”) are alphabetized according to the standard English alphabetical order, as if the umlauts were not present. Wherever possible, Chinese subject terms ideally are presented with simplified characters, traditional characters, and Pinyin.</small>

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