The Intellectual Foundations of China

Dr. Mote's monograph outlines the foundations of Chinese thought from Confucius (551-479 BC) through the bureaucratic innovations of the first dynasty (the Ch'in, 221-206 BC). The book covers early Chinese cosmology, Confucianism and its derivative schools, Taoism, Mohism, and the pragmatic successes of history's first totalitarian government -- the Ch'in State. It does not attempt to cover later influences such as Buddhism. The actual text is short (114 pages) so Dr. Mote must use a concise (and occasionally dense) style to cover all this ground. When the reader finishes this book he is rewarded with an introductory understanding of each of these philosophies, how they developed, and how they influenced each other. An excellent jumping-off point for further studies. (Uses Wade-Giles and earlier romanizations).