Dao leads to Ming, Ming leads to Fa ──Studies of Yin Win Zi’s Philosophy and Thought
Author：Hsiao-Po Wang
Abstract / PDF Download
Scholars indifference to Yin Win Zi were affected by the conclusion of Tang Yue and Luo Gen Zhe, that is, one "book of dubious author". Yet studies of Scholars nowadays pointed out that the Yin Win Zi we read today is the same of what Liu Xiang of Han Dynasty read, and its contents is the same of the thought of Yin Win Zi introduced by scholars of Xian Qin. Dao (Way), Ming (Names), Fa (Law) in Yin Win Zi are exactly what Liu Xiang commented: " Dao leads to Ming, Ming leads to Fa, Ming is fundamental, and Fa means of governing." It reflects the political and social thoughts of Early Warring States Period, corresponding with the transitional period of society of patriarchal, feudal to that of autocracy of law. His argument on Xing (Forms), Ming (Names) based on Daoist’s Naturalism, his governing by law based on his theory of Xing and Ming. It’s the foundation Yin Win Zi established on which later Legalist School of Xing, Ming and Fa expounded their arguments. His arguments on Xing, Ming is the main sources of historical material of Chinese Logic History. The difference between Ming (Names) and Feng (Duties),between Ming and Cheng (Agreement) he pointed out affected later Legalist School. "All things ends in one, all rules bases on law." Those view of his became criteria to later Legalists Han Fei.