Confucius’ Hermeneutical Method with Regard to the Book of Odes
Author：Yih-Jing Lin
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This essay explores Confucius’ hermeneutical method through his speeches, referencing, reading and discussion of the “Book of Odes”. It has the following sections: 1. Preface 2. Clarification of terms in “poetry or odes”, the “Book of Odes” and “three hundred stanzas of the “Book of Odes” 3. The Pre-Confucian formation and use of the text 4. Confucius’ hermeneutical method with regard to the “Book of Odes”, and 5. Conclusion.
The discussion focuses on (the hermeneutical method of) (1) The teachings of the “Book of Odes, (2) The analyses of Zhou dynasty musical lyrics which refer to the “Book of Odes”, and (3) Confucius’ references and readings of the “Book of Odes”. There are two stages of Confucius’ hermeneutical activity. First, the early years, based upon the Zhou Book of Odes stored in the court of Lu. Second, the later years, when Confucius re-edited the text to spread the ‘philosophical principles of an ideal king’.
The essay shows that Confucius’ hermeneutical method consists of taking passages out of context, the use of analogies, and the goal of developing the chivalrous and virtuous person. His hermeneutical activity combines historical and practical elements, and the use of theoretical implications.