This article delves into the philosophy of Neo-Confucianism, particularly the contributions of Zhu Xi, a notable thinker from the Song dynasty. With insights from scholar Stephen C. Angle, the discussion focuses on Zhu Xi's metaphysical concept of 'Pattern' (li), suggesting that everything in the universe has intrinsic reasons and conformities that define their existence. The article also touches on broader implications in ethics, the fact-value distinction, and the relationship of Zhu's ideas to the notion of belief, setting a foundation for understanding the evolution of Confucian thought post-Confucius.
As far as things in the cosmos go, we can be certain that each has a reason by which it is as it is, and a rule to which it should conform. This is what is meant by Pattern (li 理).
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