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| Text, Classic and Interpretation:Comparison of Chinese and Western Classical Interpretation |
| HONG Handing |
| Institute of Philosophy,Beijing Rcroemy of Socirl Sciences,Beijing 100101 |
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Abstract On the basis of the hermeneutical understanding of the three basic concepts, "text", "classic" and "interpretation" , this paper contends that a text is not a so-called linguistically completed work which conveys the author's meaning ,but an unfinished product or intermediate product which must be continuously interpreted and elucidated. The paper also argues that a classic is not a piece of excellent work with fixed meaning which belongs to the past,but a historical and normative structure which needs continuous interpretation. The paper also argues that interpretation is not a so-called general scientific objective or neutral explanation, but a kind of participation that is about our experience and practice in dealing with the texts. We also discuss the historical development of Chinese and Western classical interpretations and their differences. While the Western interpretation of classics in modern times focuses on how classical meaning generates its contemporary significance, the Chinese interpretation of classics still focuses on original canons immobilized by the teaching of classics based on textualism. Therefore, while the western classical interpretations emphasize the objective interpretation given rise by the theory of knowledge, the Chinese classical interpretation values the kind of understanding that draws practical meaning and inspiration from the classics. A comparative study of the Chinese -western classical interpretations is not "interpreting Chinese philosophy in light of its western counterpart" , nor is it "interpreting western philosophy in light of its Chinese counterpart" , but a study based on mutual interpretations. Similarly, upholding the ancient- modern intermediary does not "lay more stress on the past than on the present, nor does it lay more stress on the present than on the past" ; it is rather a matter of constant communication and integration of the ancient and modern lives. We obtain new life by talking constantly with classical works. The life of classical works also renews itself in this conversation.
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Received: 01 February 2015
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2015, Vol. 32 
