History of Philosophy: India, Africana, China
HPC 05. Going Paperless: Ancient Chinese Texts
May 5, 2024
Exploring ancient Chinese texts written on bamboo and silk, the transition to paper, challenges in compiling works, the evolution of texts in the Han Dynasty, the influence of oral traditions, analyzing errors to determine transmission methods, and the complex process of editing and compiling philosophical texts in ancient China.
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Quick takeaways
- Ancient Chinese philosophical texts were often written on bamboo and silk strips, arranged vertically to form scrolls, showcasing a unique format distinct from paper-based writings.
- Early Chinese philosophical texts lacked fixed order, with brief remarks compiled rather than structured treatises, highlighting the evolution of canonical works during the Han dynasty.
Deep dives
Evolution of Writing Materials in Ancient China
Ancient Chinese people faced challenges in writing due to the absence of paper, leading to the use of various materials like clay tablets, papyrus, parchment, and inscriptions on hard materials. Bamboo and silk strips were common for writing philosophical treatises, arranged vertically and tied together to form scrolls, exhibiting a unique format that differed from paper-based writings.
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