Brook Ziporyn: Ironies of oneness and difference: coherence in early Chinese thought: prolegomena to the study of li 灆

摘要: Brook Ziporyn’s new book addresses a topic that should arouse the interest of philosophers religion: conceptions reality among ancient Chinese philosophers. For various reasons, it is hard to read, however. One reason inherent complexity subject matter. It can be difficult conceptualize ontologies diverge from one’s own. But presentation makes tougher than needs be. Ironies Oneness and Difference intended as prolegomena (as second two sub-titles indicates) “companion volume”1 will trace meanings term li . The books have been released together, because there are simply too many instances where Ziporyn advances controversial position only terminate discussion prematurely with explanation issue covered more fully in volume.” example, long chapter entitled “What Is Coherence?” (49–88) would surely easier follow if very defense translation “coherence” (which informs not first sub-title book, but also this several other headings) had deferred same goes for footnote, which anticipates objections rendering (and occupies full single-spaced pages, 269–270), “sameness” “difference” philosopher Xunzi , orients around (e.g., 201f.). Another impediment prose overwrought. does read like book; reads journal article has allowed wax length book. Readers daunted by page-long paragraphs (one paragraph, 67–69,