An Academic History of China's Han Dynasty

This book offers an innovative take on the study of Chinese academic history, approaching the subject from the perspective of broader social and cultural developments, one that is not only comprehensive and inclusive, but also sheds new light on the subject. The book investigates the main academic developments of the Han Dynasty, such as the formation of new-Confucianism and the new-Daoism of Han, the establishment of history studies, advances in astronomy and geography, breakthroughs in agronomy and hydraulics, and the achievements in traditional Chinese medicine. It also explores the cultural and political backgrounds, the main influencing factors, and the main features of academic developments, especially academic carriers and Chinese hermeneutics. It provides a new paradigm for academic history studies and includes many new theories, e.g., the reconstruction of the pre-Qin academics by the Han scholars. This book offers a unique resource for all those who want to learn about and understand Chinese history and culture, especially the academic history of the Han Dynasty.