Tai Chen

Dai Zhen (1724–1777), also known as Tai Chen, Shenxiu, and Dongyuan, was a prominent Chinese philosopher from Xiuning, Anhui, during the Qing dynasty. He was a multifaceted scholar whose intellectual contributions spanned mathematics, geography, phonology, and philosophy. Dai Zhen is particularly known for his critical engagement with Neo-Confucianism, specifically its Song Learning school. He was a key figure in the Han Learning school of Evidential Learning, advocating for a shift from introspection to the investigation of the external world as the primary means of acquiring truth. He argued that Neo-Confucianism's emphasis on self-examination was insufficient for understanding the world. Furthermore, Dai Zhen challenged the Neo-Confucian aim to eliminate human desire. He posited that desire is an inherent and positive aspect of human experience, essential for emotional understanding, self-control, and empathy. His rejection of Neo-Confucianism's ascetism was a departure from prevailing philosophical norms. In 1733, Dai Zhen was invited by the scholar Ji Yun to contribute to the compilation of the monumental imperial encyclopedia, Siku Quanshu, showcasing his recognized scholarly merit.